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Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 14-03-19
CONTENTS
[01] Ryanair reports record pre-bookings for Greece
[01] Ryanair reports record pre-bookings for Greece
ANA/MPA---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.
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