Despite the contention over the Danish labor model which saw Ryanair forced close down both its Copenhagen and Billund bases last month, Ryanair’s Chief Executive Officer, Michael O’Leary, was cheerful, confident, and unapologetic this morning when addressing the press to announce the opening of new routes between the capital to various European destinations for its 2016 Summer schedule.
Ryanair’s New Copenhagen Summer 2016 Schedule
| Alicante | 5 x weekly | London LTN | 4 x daily |
| Bologna | 3 x weekly | Madrid | 1 x daily |
| Brussels | 2 x daily | Malaga | 1 x daily |
| Budapest | 1 x daily | Milan | 2 x daily |
| Cologne | 1 x daily | Porto | 3 x weekly |
| Dublin | 1 x daily | Rome | 1 x daily |
| Edinburgh | 4 x weekly | Stockholm | 1 x daily |
| Kaunas | 1 x daily | ||
O’Leary told reporters gathered that recent controversies had not deterred Danes from booking Ryanair tickets, and that demand for Ryanair’s lower fares remains strong.
The airline projects these new schedules will deliver over 2.5 million passengers per year to Copenhagen airport and support 1,875 “on-site” jobs–basing these numbers on Airport Council International (ACI) research that finds a million passengers support 750 jobs at airports.
“Ryanair continues to grow in Copenhagen and we look forward to further growth in Danish tourism, traffic and jobs. We are pleased that our arrival in Copenhagen has delivered the lowest Danish airfares in 3 years and we will continue to offer Danish tourists and consumers the lowest fares and biggest route network and make Copenhagen one of Europe’s fastest growing airports,” said O’Leary.
O’Leary also took the opportunity to repeatedly drive home his criticism of recent Danish labor union actions, confirming to Flight Chic that legal actions to reverse the Danish Labor Court’s judgment against the airline will continue. When asked by another reporter present just how Ryanair plans to fight Danish labor unions in future, O’Leary answered simply: “With lawyers.”
Always Getting Better Keeps Boosting Growth
O’Leary also told reporters that the airline’s Always Getting Better program continues to boost the airline’s growth.
The turnaround initiative, represents a comprehensive re-branding of the low-cost carrier as it celebrates its 30th year, including a new website, new app, new cabin interiors, new crew uniforms, improved in-flight menus and a number of other product and service enhancements.
Another Fare Deal
To celebrate today’s announcement, Ryanair offered fare deals on 100,000 tickets for DKK69 (£6,80/€9,24) while they last.