Thursday, February 12, 2009

Ryanair threatens 200 job cuts at Dublin

Ryanair B737-800Irish low fare carrier Ryanair announced today the intention to cut 200 jobs at Dublin, and reduce its flying schedule from that airport in order to contain costs in the face of declining passenger traffic. Ryanair blamed the "collapse" of passenger traffic at Dublin on the Dublin Airport Authority's rising fees, and "the Irish Government’s crazy decision to impose a €10 tourist tax from 30th March." The airline also plans to reduce the number of aircraft based at Dublin from 22 to 18.

Ryanair proposes to eliminate jobs among pilots, cabin crew, and engineers based at Dublin. It was unclear whether the 200 job cuts at Dublin would entail layoffs, or if those affected would be offered transfers to other bases.

According to the Irish Times, Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary told a news conference in Dublin the company would also be seeking pay cuts of up to 10 per cent among staff.

Ryanair had announced earlier that 100 jobs would be cut at Shannon. The airline plans to eliminate five routes from Shannon and reduce the number of aircraft based there from six to four from the end of March.