O’Leary sees no clouds on the horizon with Ryanair revamp

The new warm and fuzzy Ryanair needs to be more than just a publicity stunt, writes Kari Lundgren

Michael O’Leary swoops across the hardwood floor of the London Design Museum cafe, dancing between tables laden with champagne flutes and beetroot carpaccio.

“Welcome to the new Ryanair!” the 53-year-old chief executive of Europe’s largest discount carrier whoops, greeting the throng of journalists curious to witness his magical metamorphosis from cattle herder to concierge. “If you think this is scary, imagine how I feel, standing here in an expensive London yuppie venue, feeding and watering you lot.”