Aircraft model ‘to cut travel costs’

RYANAIR is working with a Chinese manufacturer on developing aircraft which it said could lead to lower travel costs for consumers.

The airline said it is exploring a requirement for at least 200 single-aisle jets with Commercial Aircraft of China (COMAC) after signing an accord to help develop the C919 model. Ryanair said the tie-up will not affect its relationship with Boeing but added that increased competition would be good for airlines.

COMAC is China’s first large homegrown passenger jet and is seen as a potential competitor to the Airbus A320 and the Boeing 737.

The plane Ryanair is interested in will be available from 2018. Chief executive Michael O’Leary said the company could move to a mixed fleet if the economies offered by a new entrant can at least match those of the current fleet and the price is right.

Goodbody analyst Eamonn Hughes said that he believes the preference for Ryanair would be to have the same fleet of 737s, so this is perhaps more of a “warning shot” at Boeing in relation to pricing.

Boeing said it would be “inappropriate” to comment, adding that Ryanair is a “greatly valued” customer.

Ryanair said it will share its “experience and expertise” to assist COMAC to develop the C919 aircraft.

COMAC general manager, Zhuanglong Jin, said: “COMAC has appreciated the support from Ryanair and we look forward to strengthening the cooperation and communication with Ryanair as we strive to establish a close, long-term strategic partnership.”