Ex-Ryanair boss targets UK low cost flights
A former boss of Ryanair has unveiled ambitious plans to develop an underused airport in Kent as its UK hub for European low cost flights. The plans by EUjet, the Irish carrier formed by ex-Ryanair chief executive P J McGoldrick last May, are dependent on the raising of additional finance. If the additional funding is secured, the airline aims to establish a network of 29 regional routes from Kent International Airport Manston by the end of the year. Destinations in Ireland, the UK and the Continent are being targeted. Shannon-based EUjet, which operates flights for tour operators from Dublin, Birmingham, Bergamo and Milan, expects to have completed the route selection process by 14 April and is aiming for the first flight to take off from Manston on 14 June. The airline estimates carrying 300,000 passengers from the airport in the first year, rising to 2 million by the end of the third year of operation. EUjet is negotiating with other airports targeted to form part of the route structure. Rothschild has been appointed as financial advisor and is in the process of raising additional capital required to allow the airline to expand over the next three years. Kent International Airport Manston is owned by Planestation, which is making arrangements to expand the existing terminal at the airport to support EUjet and other planned services. Development at the ex-military airport, about 60 miles from London, has won the backing of Kent County Council. EUjet was formed last May as a collaborative venture between its shareholders and debis AirFinance claimed to be one of the world’s largest owners of aircraft and part of Daimler Chrysler. Mr McGoldrick said: “During my time at Ryanair I identified the potential and negotiated the arrangement which resulted in Ryanair making Stansted its UK hub. I forsee a similar opportunity at Kent International Airport Manston.” Report by Phil Davies
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