Ryanair has resurrected the idea of operating its own long-haul flights at some point, despite having seemingly killed off the notion two years ago.

Good afternoon. Here’s all the news you need to know this lunchtime.

Good morning. Here’s everything you need to know before you start your day.

Ryanair chairman David Bonderman has told shareholders that the airline’s management has scrapped all plans to launch a trans-atlantic service, in favour of continuing its growth surge in Europe.

A leading UK-based shareholder advisory group has recommended investors vote against resolutions at the annual general meetings of Guinness parent company, Diageo, and Ryanair.

Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary was paid almost €5,000 a day in pay by the airline last year after receiving a 55% increase in bonus pay.

Ryanair announced it is creating 200 technology jobs in Dublin as the airline moves to improve its digital presence.

The deputy CEO of Ryanair, Michael Cawley, will step down from his position to pursue other business interests next March.

Ryanair is to hold an extraordinary general meeting to get shareholder approval for the purchase of 175 new planes that the airline has ordered to ensure it can continue to grow.

Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary is set to receive over €17m later this year when the airline makes a special dividend payout to its shareholders.

Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary’s pay last year topped €1.272 million after he received a 24% increase in bonus payments.

RYANAIR chief executive Michael O’Leary received an 82.5% increase in bonus payments last year bringing his total pay to just over €1 million.

BANK of Ireland refused to comment on weekend reports that it is in advanced talks with a number of private equity investors in the US interested in taking a significant stake in the bank.

I WISH rather bemused by Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary’s recent comments about ‘fat cat’ business travellers.

No-frills carrier Ryanair today announced a major expansion involving 2,500 new jobs, 10 new bases, continuing lower fares and more than €2.9bn-worth of new planes.

A DRAWN-OUT battle for control of Warner Chilcott looked less likely yesterday as one of the three bidders for the Northern drug firm dropped out of the race to join forces with the frontrunner.

SHARES in Warner Chilcott gained more than 6% yesterday after the drugmaker said a second bidder has made a play for the company.

TONY RYAN, the founder of Ryanair, has invested in a new low-cost airline in Singapore in a bid to repeat the success of Ryanair in Asia.

Tiger Airways, the Ryan family investment vehicle, is set to begin operations from Changi airport in Singapore in the second half of 2004, providing flights to destinations in South East Asia.

DEBENHAMS, the British department stores group currently the subject of a £1.66 billion takeover bid, has reported a pre-tax profits rise of 9.6%.

RYANAIR chief executive Michael O’Leary yesterday issued a stark warning to his newly acquired Buzz airline — he’ll close it down if staff fail to fit in with his low-cost regime.

TEXAS Pacific Group, the American venture capital firm headed by Ryanair chairman David Bonderman, have pulled out of an offer for Jefferson Smurfit.

MADISON Dearborn Partners (MDP) offered only 1.97 per Jefferson Smurfit share when it first approached the paper and packaging company.