The airline Ryanair intends to resume 40% of its flights from July thanks to the implementation of sanitary measures such as the wearing of masks and temperature measurements, but without imposing social distancing. The Irish low-cost carrier said Tuesday it wanted to provide 1,000 flights a day to 90% of the destinations served before the health crisis.
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60% of flights in August
He explains that this plan is subject to the lifting by governments of restrictions on intra-European flights and the implementation of health measures at airports. During a videoconference organized by the Financial Times , the boss of the group, Michael O'Leary, estimated that it was possible to "climb to 60% of flights in August and then from 60 to 70% in September" . But "it will depend entirely on passenger demand".
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Mask required before and during the flight
In its flight resumption plan, Ryanair plans to carry out temperature checks at the airport entrances, will require the wearing of a mask before and during the flight and will recommend online check-in, download of the boarding pass on mobile or to favor cabin luggage. The company says it is inspired by Asia where, according to it, temperature measurements and masks have proven themselves on short flights.
On the other hand, social distancing at the airport or on board will simply be "encouraged when possible", specifies the transporter. Distance on board is not to the taste of the sector. According to the airline federation, it could drive up ticket prices by more than 50%. At Ryanair, on-board services will also be reviewed with purchases of drinks and snacks only by credit card, while queuing for the toilets will be prohibited. Passengers will now have to inquire with on-board staff before going there.
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"It's time for Europe to fly again"
"After four months, it is time for Europe to fly again so that we can get together with friends or family, allow people to return to work and revive the tourism sector, which provides millions of jobs" , said Eddie Wison, general manager of the company. Few carriers in Europe, however, dare to be so specific about the resumption of flights. Air France expects a gradual return, but not quantified at this stage. Health Minister Matt Hancock has showered hopes of a sunny vacation fueled by Michael O'Leary. "It is unlikely that a big international vacation will be possible this summer," he insisted on the ITV channel.
Ryanair announced in early May the loss of 3,000 jobs, a condition for "surviving" the coronavirus. Most of its competitors in the United Kingdom have also announced thousands of layoffs, like British Airways and Virgin Atlantic.