Ryanair aiming to expand reach to transatlantic routes

Europe’s largest short-haul low-cost carrier Ryanair is mulling to provide connectivity to short-haul passengers onto long-haul flights plying on transatlantic routes to North America. To fulfil its objective and increase profitability, the airline is presently holding talks with long-haul airlines such as Virgin Atlantic Airways, TAP Air Portugal and Norwegian.

Michael O’Leary, Chief Executive of Ryanair, has also confirmed the airline’s plans to expand its reach and the ongoing talks with three long-haul carriers.

O’Leary’s confirmation has come only days after there were reports in the media regarding the talks being held by the airline for enabling the passengers taking flights to Dublin to connect to the United States destinations as well using the flight network of Aer Lingus. O’Leary said that if the airline’s plans fall in line then he would want the arrangements to be kept simple. The arrangements would entail that the long-haul carriers would purchase short-haul flights from Ryanair and offer the customers a combined packaged price.

O’Leary while talking to mediapersons said, “The company would not like to enter into complicated code-share agreements or pro rata profit-sharing. If unfortunately anything goes wrong, the long-haul airlines would have to take the responsibility. I foresee a potential cooperation with Virgin Atlantic Airways and Norwegian at London Gatwick, TAP Air Portugal at Lisbon, and Aer Lingus at Dublin.”

This would be for the first time that Europe’s largest short-haul budget carrier Ryanair would be feeding short-haul passengers into long-haul transatlantic flights to the U.S. operated by other airlines.