Ryanair launches new Milan routes

RYANAIR has unveiled another series of new routes as part of its plans to conquer the European aviation market.

The airline said it was launching new routes from its base at Milan’s Orio al Serio airport.

It is investing €120 million in adding two new Boeing 737-800 jets to the three already based there.

Ryanair head of European marketing Sinéad Finn, said: “We opened our first Italian base in Milan Orio al Serio in February, 2003 and today we are significantly increasing its size.” The routes from Milan are to airports in England, Spain, Norway and the Netherlands.

However, none of the new destinations will be from Ireland.

Competition in the low fares market has intensified in recent weeks, with Ryanair’s great rival Easyjet opening its first routes out of Ireland, flying from Cork and Shannon.

And Aer Lingus has stepped up its attempt to gain a share of the low fares market.

The State-owned carrier has removed all restrictions on fares, such as minimum stays and is now offering only one-way flights. Chief operating officer Séamus Kearney, said this was further evidence of Aer Lingus fulfilling its commitment to continue to offer lower air fares and greater choice to its customers.

“In a brutally competitive environment, in which we have introduced 37 new routes, and significantly reduced all our air fares, Aer Lingus continues to be way better.”

It has also slashed the prices on its flights to New York and Los Angeles by half.