Ryanair gambles on free flight scenario

RYANAIR believes revenue from inflight gaming and gambling could eventually do away with the need to charge air fares.

Chief executive Michael O’Leary said Ryanair gave away about a quarter of its seats last year and that figure could rise to between 50% and 100% depending on how ancillary revenues grow.

“Ultimately entertainment will be where the money is,” he told reporters, while answering questions about his plans to introduce gaming and gambling onboard, probably in 2007. “It would transform ancillary revenues and profits,” he said. “We’ll probably announce a gambling partner (company) in the next two to three months.”