Skytrax rating: 2 stars
No alliance membership
Operations
Globally
- More than 1000 routes in Europe and Morocco
South Africa
- No flights (contact us for more information)
General
Ryanair is a low-cost airline which has its main bases in Ireland and the UK. It is named after the surname of one of its three founders. Ryanair makes a fifth of its revenue from optional extras (things not included in the ticket price) and has taken flak for this in the past but maintains the explanation that passengers who do not make use of such extras therefore do not need to pay for them and can benefit from a lower ticket price. Passengers who do not check in any luggage or require any in-flight catering (there is a buy-on-board service for catering) therefore pay less for their seat on the same flight. It makes sense for a domestic or even regional airline to operate in this way because the flights are either short or medium range. But take note that the airline has been rated with only two stars by rating agency Skytrax. If you fly with Ryanair, do not expect substantial in-flight amenities or service.
Ryanair Boeing 737-800.
Another aspect of Ryanair’s business model is the strategy of using secondary airports. This is done in order to cut costs, so if you fly with Ryanair you may not arrive at the major airport in your destination location. However, in somes cases the secondary airport may actually be nearer to the city than the major one.
Ryanair operates a fleet consisting entirely of 275 Boeing 737-800 aircraft. At present, the airline has no aircraft on order and has agreed to be involved in the development of the COMAC C919 (which has yet to enter production), as an alternative to either Boeing or Airbus. This choice of aircraft manufacturer is an attempt at reducing operating costs. Ryanair can afford to maintain its present fleet as is because the aircraft are still relatively young – like Ryanair’s direct rival easyJet, the average age of the planes is only 3.6 years.
Ryanair has been criticized for poor customer service in the past. You cannot contact the airline by e-mail, only on a paid phone line or by post or fax. If you are interested in flying with Ryanair, please contact us so that we can advize you.
