Ryanair, the huge European discount airline, is partnering with Air Europa for a version of its dream of selling cheap fares across the Atlantic.
In the first phase of the deal, already in place as of yesterday, Ryanair will sell tickets on Air Europa from Madrid to 20 destinations in North America and the Caribbean, including Havana. In Phase 2, Ryanair customers will be able to book the Air Europa destinations as connecting flights, starting on Ryanair.
The deal gives Air Europa an additional 53 cities to sell tickets to, with connections in Madrid, and gives Ryanair its first breakout from Europe.
Michael O’Leary, Ryanair head and founder, says he’s also talking to other airlines about similar deals. Above, O’Leary and Air Europa CEO Javier Hidalgo.