Fleet cuts at Ryanair
RYANAIR blamed strike action as it announced plans to cut its Dublin-based fleet by 20 percent, putting more than 300 jobs at risk. It is reducing the number of aircraft for the winter season from 30 to 24 at most while more than doubling its Polish fleet to more than 10.
The board has decided to allocate more aircraft to those markets where we are enjoying strong growth
It expects “few” route closures from Dublin, although some may be served less frequently.
Ryanair said there had been a downturn in forward bookings and airfares in Ireland following recent strikes by Irish pilots.
It has issued 90-day notices to more than 100 pilots and 200 crew.
Peter Bellew, the chief operating officer, said: “We regret these base aircraft reductions at Dublin for winter 2018 but the board has decided to allocate more aircraft to those markets where we are enjoying strong growth [such as Poland].
“This will result in some aircraft reductions and job cuts in country markets where business has weakened, or forward bookings are being damaged by rolling strikes by Irish pilots.”
He added: “If our reputation for reliability or forward bookings is affected, then base and potential job cuts such as these at Dublin are a deeply regretted consequence.”