Ryanair reports record pre-bookings for Greece

17:53 19/3/2014 - Πηγή: Matrix24

Ryanair on Wednesday reported a record in pre-bookings for its six new scheduled flights from Athens to Chania, London, Milan, Paphos, Rhodes and Thessaloniki, ahead of the opening

of its base in Athens in April 1.

Michael O’Leary, Ryanair’s chief executive, told reporters that «our pre-bookings so far are much more positive than any of our other 65 bases» adding that these flights will serve around 1.2 million passengers. O’Leary said that Ryanair will have two aircraft stationed in its Athens base, which will serve six destinations for a total of 154 flights per week. He also announced an offer of a fare of 9.99 euros in the Athens-Thessaloniki flight for travels in April and May. This price also includes taxes.

O’Leary stressed that Ryanair aims to add 1.2 million passengers this year and two million passengers in 2015 and noted that the airline company was in negotiations with the Athens airport to raise the number of its scheduled flights during the 2014 winter period and raising the number of its aircraft to be stationed in Athens.

Ryanair will operate three bases in Greece (Athens, Thessaloniki and Chania) aiming to transfer around 4.0 million passengers. Company officials said their aim was to become the top airline by 2018 with 8-10 million passengers in Greece, with an estimated investment of more than 300 million US dollars and 350 job positions in the country.O’Leary said that Ryanair was in talks with Greek authorities and airports to agree on incentives to further boost passenger traffic. «Greece has a great opportunity as all other costs have fallen expect from airport costs. If these costs fall there will be an unbelievable influx of tourists in the country,» he noted.

source: ΑΜΝΑ