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Airlines

Ryanair Expands European Reach, Eyes North America with "Game-Changing" Boeing Deal

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Ryanair, Ireland's largest airline, has further extended its reach across Europe with the launch of its 2015 winter schedule. The airline's long-term plans to expand to North America remain, with a "game-changing" deal with Boeing set to deliver 200 new 737 Max 200 jets in four years. While this may not be enough to reach the west coast, the planes could potentially service the east coast of the US. The airline's CEO, Michael O'Leary, is in talks with Boeing to secure further orders to meet its North American ambitions.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ryanair has launched its 2015 winter schedule, further expanding its reach across Europe.
  • The airline's long-term plans to expand to North America remain, with a "game-changing" deal with Boeing to deliver 200 new 737 Max 200 jets in four years.
  • The 737 Max 200 jets may not have the fuel capacity to reach the west coast of the US, but could potentially service the east coast.
  • CEO Michael O'Leary is in talks with Boeing to secure further orders to meet Ryanair's North American ambitions.
  • The airline aims to offer low-cost flights between 12-14 European cities and 12-14 US cities, pending the availability of viable long-haul aircraft.
  • Ryanair estimates that it will take four to five years for long-haul aircraft to become available, allowing it to offer transatlantic services.
  • Ryanair's business plan for future growth has been approved by the board, with the transatlantic offering forming part of this plan.

Statistics:

  • Ryanair will deliver 200 new 737 Max 200 jets in four years, according to its deal with Boeing.
  • The 737 Max 200 jets have the potential to service the east coast of the US, but not the west coast, due to fuel capacity limitations.
  • Ryanair estimates that it will take four to five years for long-haul aircraft to become available, allowing it to offer transatlantic services.
  • The airline aims to offer low-cost flights between 12-14 European cities and 12-14 US cities.
  • CEO Michael O'Leary has stated that it should be possible for Ryanair to offer a service to North America at an average rate per passenger of less than E100, between E85 and E95.

Sources:

  • [Guardian, "Ryanair to fly to North America in five years, says CEO Michael O'Leary"]
  • [Bloomberg, "Ryanair to Take More Boeing Jets as European Market Grows"]
  • [BBC News, "Ryanair targets North America with new Boeing deal"]

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