If it were up to him, passengers should all board without checked baggage. But under two conditions.
The first: if his wife allowed it. The second: if he were offered adequate remuneration.
This is according to Michael O’Leary, CEO of the Ryanair group, who, during a chat with the *Corriere* in a Milanese hotel, also answered “personal” questions. “I don’t know.
If the offer of seats is reduced — and we think it will be due to issues with some airplane models — this will drive ticket prices up. As for us, we have purchased a large part of the necessary fuel in advance at a good price: we expect to save 450 million euros, which could allow us to reduce fares by 3 euros per seat.
But it’s still too early to understand how things will go.” “I can say that the most purchased services are priority boarding, seat selection, and checked baggage.
But honestly, I wouldn’t want the revenues from this last item.” “But we do it because we want to change people’s habits.
We want them to travel lighter.” “We have to pay for the counter and staff for check-in, the employees who load and unload, those who work in the ‘lost & found’ offices.
As you can see, it all revolves around baggage.” “At the beginning, 80% of our passengers checked a bag.
After the introduction of the extra cost — fifteen years ago — it has dropped to 20%. 60% have changed their habits.
Also because customers’ trips last an average of two and a half days. They really don’t need to bring too much.
And we have fewer costs. Empty space is fantastic, it consumes less.”
“The plane travels lighter and burns less fuel. We would save 6% of kerosene if Boeings flew without checked baggage.”
“But only if I can reach an agreement with the Ryanair board of directors.” “Which has happened in the last five years because I have this remuneration item tied to results.
But due to Covid, we didn’t meet the goals so I didn’t receive anything.” “I love this company.
But there are two variables to consider about what I will do in the future. And then there is a new generation of managers growing within the company.
In 2028, I will be 67 years old and at some point, the reins will have to be handed over to the 40-year-olds. I don’t make plans for such a long period because many things can happen: illness, accident.
In Ireland, we have a saying that goes like this: ‘When man plans, God smiles’.” “I wouldn’t want to work with them because no one can compete with Ryanair.”
“We, as a low-cost company, aim to grow by 10% per year, others wouldn’t be able to, they would hurt themselves even with +2%.” “I like what I do, I have a good life, I live in a house in the countryside in the center of the country.
I’m not intending to start my kids a new existence.”