Ryanair, a no-frills airline, serves continental Europe with low-fare flights. In a New York Times article, CEO Michael O'Leary says Ryanair offers four things; low fares, a good on-time record, few cancellations and few lost bags.
Founded in 1985, Ryanair is Europe's largest low-fare airline, according to the Ryanair website. The Irish airline flies more than 850 routes across 26 countries to 146 destinations. Promotions include fares as low as a couple of euro. According to their website, Ryanair says it will fly about 67 million passengers in 2009.
The airline is popular with young international travelers. The International Air Transport Association reports that Ryanair has the world's largest number of international passengers.
Ryanair's base fares are priced low because of a no-frills strategy. Tickets don't include a fuel surcharge. Ryanair passengers are allowed only one piece of carry-on luggage; fees are charged for additional items. There are charges for checking baggage, common on all airlines today. The airline offers priority boarding, travel insurance and food for an extra fee.
The cheap airfare is not equated to cheap planes. Ryanair's website states that "by the end of May 2009, Ryanair will operate a fleet of 190 new Boeing 737-800 aircraft with firm orders for a further 102 new aircraft (all net of planned disposals), which will be delivered over the next three years."
They also report that during Ryanair's 23-year history, the airline has not had one incident that caused injury to a passenger or crew member.
The advantages of Ryanair are low prices and a variety of destinations served. The airline gets a traveler where they need to go quickly, simply and inexpensively.Their low prices make it easy to travel Europe.
Ryanair vows that they will consistently offer the lowest prices to passengers, regardless of other competing airlines' prices. Ryanair has a very high on-time arrival rate and low number of lost baggage claims.
In June 2009, 89 percent of more than 36,000 Ryanair flights arrived on time, according to an Aug. 10, 2009, report. Less than one complaint per 1,000 passengers was recorded. Finally, less than one lost bag claim was received per 1,000 passengers.
