Ryan Air

Ryan Air was created in 1985 in Ireland with a unique air line between Waterford (south east Ireland) and London Gatwick. Its main objective was to propose its customers low cost tariffs on air flight, and it cut the price of almost a half comparing to the traditional airlines companies Aer Lingus and British Airways on the line Dublin – London.

Despite a huge success in the late 80's (about 600,000 passengers per year), its loss was enormous: more than £20 million in only four years. Therefore, in 1990/1991, a new team is hired a the top of the company and it become to cut cost everywhere: the less profitable air lines are stopped, old planes are abandoned and prices are still lowered.

In 1991, Ryan Air's staff is 350, it transport 700,000 on 5 lines and become to be profitable in spite of the Gulf War which has a negative impact on the business. In 1995, Ryan Air become the largest airline company for the Dublin – London line with 2,25 million passengers a year and more than 600 employees.

1997 is a very important year for Ryan Air. Thanks to the total airlines deregulation in Europe, Ryan Air provide now a lot of destination in all Europe and not only UK and Ireland. The company still develop itself and announced new records in 1999 with up to 6,000,000 passengers on 35 airlines in 11 countries. The amount of employee is now 1,200 and Ryan Air is listed in London, Dublin and New York (Nasdaq).

Ryan Air's website was launched in January 2000 and after only one year it became the largest travel website with more than 600,000 tickets sold per month.

In 2002, Ryan Air announced records results for the third semester with an increase of 30% of passengers and of 35% for the benefits. With 76 low cost destinations in 13 European countries, Ryan Air is the biggest airline company in Europe.