Ryanair chief Michael O’Leary, known for his provocative ideas (or threats if you see them that way) has a new thought to chew on: Free airline fare to many destinations.
While in the past he’s threatened to charge passengers for the use of toilets or even seats, O’Leary now wants to shift the cost of flights from passengers to the airports and airport stores and concessions that make their money from them.
At the recent Airport Operators Conference in London, he described a plan in which airports, which in some cases already subsidize airlines to provide flights, would share revenue from the concessions with the airlines, allowing Ryanair to offer free seats. The pitch to the stores is that passengers would spend even more in airport stores and everyone would come out ahead.
He doesn’t expect it to happen everywhere: “I think it will happen. It just won’t happen at Heathrow or those big hub airports. But most of the other airports who are looking for big traffic growth, that process is already starting to happen, lowering airport fees and some of the charges.”
More detail and quotes from the Guardian (UK) HERE
I hope I didn’t sound as if I were kicking him, although at points he’s opened himself to it, and I think intentionally…in his business, gejotting noticed is important and he’s good at it.
And, as you point out, he’s reshaped an entire industry, nearly on a worldwide basis. Even Uber and Airbnb haven’t achieved that degree of ‘disruption.’
It’s a shame to see the man who has opened up Europe for flights at bus fare prices being kicked again.
He has many ideas to generate income – away from ticket prices. Some are just a reflection of his Irish sense of humour and others are worth listening to.
He has succeeded in breaking the mould in Europe where flying was just for the wealthy. A man to be praised – not criticised !
I would call some of his ideas just “plane” silly – but never threatening. Twice. But Michael O’Leary is often the victim of the American media circus who love to inflame public opinion .