Ryanair annouces plans to cut services due to Boeing 737 MAX crisis

Low-cost airline Ryanair has warned over plans to cut and close bases at airports from November through next summer as it said delays to Boeing's B737 Max aircraft would hit growth rates.
By Ben Green
Published 16th Jul 2019, 08:00 BST
Updated 16th Jul 2019, 09:00 BST
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The group said it was in talks with airports over which loss-making bases will be affected and is set to consult with staff and unions over the planned "short-term" cuts and closures.

Ryanair said it expects to slash its aircraft to 30 for next summer, down from 58, which will cut its summer 2020 growth rate from seven per cent to three per cent.

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Full-year passenger traffic growth is now forecast at around 157 million for the year to March 2021, down from 162 million previously expected.

Ryanair is recuing the number of aircraft it operatesRyanair is recuing the number of aircraft it operates
Ryanair is recuing the number of aircraft it operates

Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary said: "This shortfall in aircraft deliveries will necessitate some base cuts and closures for summer 2020, but also for the winter 2019 schedule.

"We are starting a series of discussions with our airports to determine which of Ryanair's underperforming or loss-making bases should suffer these short-term cuts and/or closures from November 2019.

"We will also be consulting with our people and our unions in planning and implementing these base cuts and closures, which are directly caused by the B737 Max delivery delays to the B737 Max programme."

He added he will look to "restore our growth to normal levels in summer 2021".

By Press Association

Related topics:Ryanair