Airline unlikely to launch transatlantic service within the next five years

Ryanair is unlikely to launch a transatlantic service within the next five years, opting instead to further boost its position as leading short-haul operator in the European market.

Speaking yesterday, the airline’s chief marketing officer, Kenny Jacobs, said a major factor in the timing of a North American service would be the strengthening in supply of suitably sized aircraft, although, he added, “there’s still a lot to do in Europe”.

While the leader in European short-haul, Ryanair only has a 13% share of the market (its inspiration, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines controls 30% of the US market) but hopes to double that over the next five years.