RyanAir’s CEO on Barriers to Innovation in European Air Travel

RyanAir’s CEO Michael O’Leary speaks to the EU Innovation Convention. It’s a fascinating talk, offering a window into how they think about their competitors and also about European governments.

I think of RyanAir much like Spirit. I think it’s great they exist. I have no problem with their combination of low fares and customer-unfriendly policies, but they also don’t really affect me because I have no intention of flying them. I love it when low fare carriers compete against the major ones whose elite status I enjoy, I benefit from my status and lower fares.

I don’t think all of Michael O’Leary’s claims ring true, like that it’s all that convenient to fly to Charleroi Airport rather than Brussels (well, maybe if you don’t value your time and want to take a bus into the city). But it’s certainly an entertaining listen and he seems far more right than wrong on most things.

(HT: Heather C.)

About Gary Leff

Gary Leff is one of the foremost experts in the field of miles, points, and frequent business travel - a topic he has covered since 2002. Co-founder of frequent flyer community InsideFlyer.com, emcee of the Freddie Awards, and named one of the "World's Top Travel Experts" by Conde' Nast Traveler (2010-Present) Gary has been a guest on most major news media, profiled in several top print publications, and published broadly on the topic of consumer loyalty. More About Gary »

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Comments

  1. Way to start a talk by ranting like that. I already think he’s an unreasonable prick *before* he could start making a point.

  2. Just finished listening. Yeah, they don’t have fuel surcharges, but instead a bunch of other b******t fees, so not that great either.

    What a pathetic attempt at being funny & sarcastic.

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