American dream

23 March 2015 By Olaf Storbeck

Europe’s top no-frills carrier has confused investors with ambiguous statements about its intentions toward the transatlantic market. It’s easy to see why Ryanair might be in two minds. One problem is a lack of planes. And “low-cost long-haul” is a model full of contradictions.

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Irish low-cost airline Ryanair on March 19 said in a statement to shareholders that its board had not “considered or approved any transatlantic project and does not intend to do so.”

On March 16, Ryanair said in a statement emailed to media that its board had approved “the business plans for future growth, including transatlantic,” adding that it would like to offer low-cost flights between up to 14 European and U.S. cities.

“The business plan is there but it’s dependent on attaining viable long haul aircraft and we estimate that’s four to five years away. European consumers want lower cost travel to the USA and the same for Americans coming to Europe. We see it as a logical development in the European market.”

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