Ryanair planning new low-cost transatlantic airline

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Ryanair planning new low-cost transatlantic airline

Info :
http://www.independent.ie/business/iris ... 84172.html

By Roisin Burke
Saturday September 27 2008
Ryanair is planning to cash in on the credit crunch by pushing forward plans for a low-fare transatlantic airline. The airline is also cutting capacity by over 14pc and grounding 25pc of its planes at Stansted this winter. High fuel prices and the collapse of other airlines could actually strengthen its hand in founding a separate transatlantic flights company, according to online reports yesterday which the low-fare operator confirmed were accurate.
Ryanair's thinking is that the current climate may smooth its way to getting regulatory approval for the venture.
The acquisition of Aer Lingus could spur on the plan -- a step that it hopes a regulator might be more likely to approve in this climate.
The collapses, mergers and acquisitions that Ryanair expects to happen over the coming months are fuelling its plans to proceed with the long-haul ambitions.
The low-cost transatlantic entity would offer flights to New York from Stansted, Birmingham, and Prestwick airports in the UK.

Leasing
It has also been reported that Ryanair was ready to approach airline leasing companies about acquiring some new Boeing 787 dreamliners with this long haul carrier in mind.
If it was able to take over Aer Lingus, it could use the 15 long-haul planes Aer Lingus has on order for its new long haul outfit. Ryanair's CFO, Howard Millar, said yesterday that although the long-haul cheap flight carrier dream could go ahead without Aer Lingus, an acquisition would help pave the way. While he said it was still a few years away from getting up and running, he added that plans were at an advanced stage. The airline has grounded eight of its planes at Standsted for winter 2008/09, a cut of 25pc of its aircraft at that base. It has also reduced flights there from 1,850 flights per week to 1,600, estimating its reduced capacity there at 14pc.
It said will carry around 900,000 fewer passengers on its Stansted routes this winter.
Flights to and from Dublin will be cut by 14pc, Glasgow flights by 31pc and Rome CIA flights by 20pc.

However, from the end of October, six new winter routes will operate at Stansted, mostly to winter sun and skiing destinations. At present, the plan is to operate the flights at least three times weekly.

- Roisin Burke