Ryanair continues to invest in Rome, with more than 1,000 flights and 16 new routes from the Eternal City this summer season, operating from its two bases at Fiumicino and Ciampino airports.
“Our load factor totally recovered, touching 94% in October”
This means a total of 81 flights, and a +10% growth compared to the 2019 season. New destinations include Alicante, Cork, Dublin, Split, Faro, Palma, Skiathos, Rabat and Tangier. CEO Michael O'Leary made no secret of his ambition for further growth in Italy when presenting the new summer flights: "Rome remains fundamental and we continue to increase our network. Today we have 15 aircraft based there. Our load factor has totally recovered, touching 94% in October, and in January we saw a peak in terms of bookings, moreover winter is also going very well compared to the preCovid period.”
Ryanair is aiming for 225 million passengers
"We are aware of the problems raised by war and inflation, but we are continuing to aim for 225 million passengers. And we want to transform Italian tourism: we have just had a meeting with the vice-president of the council of ministers, Antonio Tajani, to present our development plan and to call again for the abolition of the municipal surtax in all Italian airports. If the tax is removed Ryanair will bring additional aircraft and create new jobs. In addition,” said O'Leary, “we want to expand further at Ciampino, which is a perfect city airport. We have asked for the restrictions to be reduced, and also for the land around it to be developed for a possible airport overhaul.”
The airlines is investing in 10 new aircraft
"Ryanair foresees an investment with 10 new aircraft based, one in Rome, two in Milan and seven in other bases - confirms Mauro Bolla, Ryanair Italy’s country manager. - Our results have a market share plus sign compared to other airlines operating in Italy. In 2023 it will be 40%, overtaking ITA, easyJet and Wizz Air. The latter has closed two bases and this confirms that we are very well positioned in Italy.”
