For the enjoyment and passion of words, thoughts and disciplines
Ryanair's new cost-cutting measure: take away the seats
Published Date: 07 July 2009
By ALASTAIR DALTON
PASSENGERS would have to stand on planes under the latest plans by no-frills airline Ryanair to cut costs.
The carrier is considering introducing "ledges" similar to those on London Underground trains for passengers to perch on during shorter flights.
The plans were met with disbelief by consumer watchdogs already left bemused this year by a series of
failed attempts by the airline at introducing money-saving schemes.
These included charging for the use of aircraft toilets, making passengers carry their luggage to planes, and a "fat tax" on travellers who struggled to fit into their seat.
In the latest eyebrow-raising innovation floated by Michael O'Leary, Ryanair's chief executive, up to five rows of seats would be removed from the rear of planes to pack in 30 per cent more passengers, cutting costs by 20 per cent.
However, a spokesman for Mr O'Leary admitted yesterday the plans had yet to be proved as either feasible or acceptable to passengers.
He said Mr O'Leary would be discussing them further with Boeing, which makes Ryanair's 737-800 planes, following an initial conversation last week.
The spokesman said: "The proposal is only in draft form, but it would be a 'vertical seat', akin to the long strips or ledges passengers lean against in London Underground trains.
"We would have to have all the safety requirements, and would need some sort of belt."
The Civil Aviation Authority rules say an aircraft seat must be capable of withstanding a G-force of 16 – more than that created by the maximum turn in a fighter jet.
A spokesman said: "This will be no bar stool with a lap strap."
Ryanair said aircraft with space for "standing" passengers would be used on flights of up to 90 minutes.
Its spokesman said some standing travellers would travel free, with the rest paying no more than half the fare of seated passengers. The airline says its average single fare is £36.
The spokesman said standing could prove popular with students hoping to travel round Europe free, and business people keen to get off the plane first.
"Some people are standing for longer in trains on the London Underground," he said.
Mr O'Leary was inspired by Spring Airlines, a Chinese no-frills carrier, which is in talks with Airbus over accommodating standing passengers for internal flights.
A spokeswoman for Which?, the former Consumers Association, said: "We are not commenting because this sounds like it is just designed to get coverage for Ryanair. I do not think they are serious."
The European Aviation Safety Agency, which is responsible for the safety of civilian aircraft, also declined to comment.
The full article contains 447 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
Page 1 of 1
* Last Updated: 06 July 2009 9:38 PM
* Source: The Scotsman
* Location: Edinburgh
* Related Topics: Budget airlines
By ALASTAIR DALTON
PASSENGERS would have to stand on planes under the latest plans by no-frills airline Ryanair to cut costs.
The carrier is considering introducing "ledges" similar to those on London Underground trains for passengers to perch on during shorter flights.
The plans were met with disbelief by consumer watchdogs already left bemused this year by a series of
failed attempts by the airline at introducing money-saving schemes.
These included charging for the use of aircraft toilets, making passengers carry their luggage to planes, and a "fat tax" on travellers who struggled to fit into their seat.
In the latest eyebrow-raising innovation floated by Michael O'Leary, Ryanair's chief executive, up to five rows of seats would be removed from the rear of planes to pack in 30 per cent more passengers, cutting costs by 20 per cent.
However, a spokesman for Mr O'Leary admitted yesterday the plans had yet to be proved as either feasible or acceptable to passengers.
He said Mr O'Leary would be discussing them further with Boeing, which makes Ryanair's 737-800 planes, following an initial conversation last week.
The spokesman said: "The proposal is only in draft form, but it would be a 'vertical seat', akin to the long strips or ledges passengers lean against in London Underground trains.
"We would have to have all the safety requirements, and would need some sort of belt."
The Civil Aviation Authority rules say an aircraft seat must be capable of withstanding a G-force of 16 – more than that created by the maximum turn in a fighter jet.
A spokesman said: "This will be no bar stool with a lap strap."
Ryanair said aircraft with space for "standing" passengers would be used on flights of up to 90 minutes.
Its spokesman said some standing travellers would travel free, with the rest paying no more than half the fare of seated passengers. The airline says its average single fare is £36.
The spokesman said standing could prove popular with students hoping to travel round Europe free, and business people keen to get off the plane first.
"Some people are standing for longer in trains on the London Underground," he said.
Mr O'Leary was inspired by Spring Airlines, a Chinese no-frills carrier, which is in talks with Airbus over accommodating standing passengers for internal flights.
A spokeswoman for Which?, the former Consumers Association, said: "We are not commenting because this sounds like it is just designed to get coverage for Ryanair. I do not think they are serious."
The European Aviation Safety Agency, which is responsible for the safety of civilian aircraft, also declined to comment.
The full article contains 447 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
Page 1 of 1
* Last Updated: 06 July 2009 9:38 PM
* Source: The Scotsman
* Location: Edinburgh
* Related Topics: Budget airlines
Comment
About
Badge
© 2009 Created by Steve MacDowall on Ning. Create a Ning Network!
You need to be a member of The Thursday File Network to add comments!
Join this Ning Network