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.