Ryanair Plans Transatlantic Flights

Reports suggest that Ryanair, Europe’s largest low-cost airline is considering a move the transatlantic flights market. London Stansted, Birmingham and Glasgow Prestwick could soon be the bases for Ryanair flights to New York if the plans, which are said to be in the advanced stage, proceed.

Ryanair originally had plans for transatlantic flights this time last year, however the idea was abandoned and the project never went ahead. But in the current difficult trading conditions which has seen many of its competitors collapse, Ryanair believe regulatory approval could be easier to attain than before.

A possible acquisition of Aer Lingus could help speed up plans, as Ireland’s second biggest carrier already has 15 long-haul planes.  Ryanair's CFO, Howard Millar admitted that although plans could still go ahead without Aer Lingus, any acquisition would help pave the way.

Rather than launch Ryanair flights to the USA, it is thought that the carrier would establish a new company that would concentrate purely on the transatlantic market. Reports also suggest that Ryanair is currently in negotiations with Boeing to secure the delivery of a fleet of 787 Dreamliners in order to operate the service.

Ryanair has grounded eight of its planes at Stansted for its winter programme, meaning a cut of 25% at that base. It has also reduced its remaining flights at Stansted from 1,850 flights per week to 1,600, carrying 900,000 fewer passengers this winter.