Ryanair expansion continues with Italian hub

RYANAIR has stepped up its attempt to dominate the low fares market with the opening of another major hub in Italy.

The airline said yesterday that Pisa would be its 14th hub in Europe with three new daily routes out of the airport, including one to Dublin.

Chief executive Michael O’Leary said the airline would now fly ten routes out of Pisa.

“Pisa will now benefit from two brand new Boeing 737-800 Ryanair aircraft at a cost of

$120 million and three new routes that will deliver 1.2 million passengers in the first full year of operation,” he said.

“In 1998, we launched our first Italian route to Pisa and since then demand for Ryanair’s low fares in Italy has been phenomenal.

“Today Ryanair operates 67 routes to and from Italy and will this year bring more European visitors to Italy than any other airline, including Alitalia.”

There was also speculation yesterday that Ryanair may cancel its planned base at Germany’s Lubeck airport after local courts blocked the airport’s expansion because of improper zoning and lack of consideration for a wildlife sanctuary.

NCB Stockbrokers said: “This expansion had been one of the main conditions outstanding on Infratil’s proposed purchase of a 90% stake in the airport.

“Ryanair had announced plans to base four aircraft there earlier this year subject to Infratil purchase of the airport being completed.

“We believe that Ryanair will now look for an alternative base for the four aircraft and hold off any expansion at the airport until such stage as Infratil’s purchase can be completed.

“As Ryanair normally receives quite generous start-up support at a new base, we are confident that there will be minimal financial cost from this decision. In addition, we have little doubt it will find a suitable base within its existing network for the craft.”