Pioneering Ryanair founder dies
Dr Tony Ryan, the founder of Irish carrier Ryanair, has died aged 71.
He established the airline 23 years ago with flights between Waterford and London.
Ryanair is now one of the world’s largest low fares carriers employing almost 5,000 staff with a route network stretching across Europe.
His death was announced after the airline revealed September statistics showing that monthly carryings rose 23% to 4.35 million year-on-year and passenger numbers for the 12 months ending September 30 were almost 47 million.
The airline cancelled a press conference due to be hosted by chief executive Michael O’Leary in London today on news of the death of Dr Ryan after a long illness.
O’Leary described Dr Ryan as “one of the greatest Irishmen of the 20th century”.
A statement on the airline’s website said: “It is rare that one man in his own lifetime can transform the lives of millions. Dr Ryan did so by pioneering competition and low farwe air travel in Europe. Ryanair is pround to bear his name and his legacy.”
The airline’s chairman David Bonderman said: “He possessed an extraordinary vision.”
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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