Ryanair aims to become more user-friendly with a simpler website and co-operation with travel agents, in a cultural revolution for the airline that pioneered low-cost travel with minimal customer service.
The airline plans to announce a website revamp at its AGM in Dublin on Friday, chief executive Michael O’Leary said.
The company may also add a handful of longer-distance routes including Israel and is open to co-operation with long-haul carriers, he said.
He made his comments at the World Low Cost Airlines Congress yesterday at London Heathrow Airport.
Michael O’Leary said he is also prepared to sell tickets via travel agents rather than solely through Ryanair’s own mechanisms, targeting one area where rival EasyJet has made the running by linking with corporate buyers to add business fliers.
In a possible departure from high-frequency short-haul flights, O’Leary said Ryanair also may fly to Israel, Egypt and North Africa even if growth in the next five years will largely focus on western Europe.
Ryanair also remains interested in flying to the US under a new brand once new wide-body planes are more affordable, the airline's chief said.
