Ryanair expansion hit by Boeing strike

RYANAIR has been forced to revamp its expansion plans for the winter as strike by workers at aircraft maker Boeing has delayed the delivery of new planes.

The carrier was due to take delivery of seven new Boeing 737-800 jets over the next month - aircraft that had been earmarked for its expansion at new bases in Liverpool and Pisa in Italy. Ryanair said the bases will go ahead, but it will have to use other aircraft.

The trouble has been caused by 20,000 striking Boeing workers in the US over pay, retirement benefits and healthcare schemes. The workers have been on strike for nearly a month.