Ryanair to ground 80 aircraft this winter

No-frills carrier Ryanair sometimes called “The World’s most annoying airline” plans to take 80 aircraft out of service this coming winter, twice the number than for 2010/2011.

The announcement came as the airline revealed a full-year profit after tax of €401m, up 26% on the figure for the previous financial year.  Traffic in the financial year between April 2010 and March 2011 grew by 8%, while fares rose 12%.

The move to reduce its winter programme comes at a time when Ryanair seems to be changing its tactics.  Its policy was to keep away from the major hubs seeking out little used airports looking for business and renaming them after the nearest large conurbation (Carcassonne became Toulouse, a city 60 miles away).  Last September it moved into El Prat Barcelona although it has been heavily promoting Girona and Reus both distant from the city.  The airline is also experimenting with booked seats on some sectors out of Dublin. www.ryanair.com

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