Ryanair Launch New Ski Routes From Birmingham

Ryanair has announced two new winter ski routes from Birmingham International Airport to France and Italy.

The new destinations are Grenoble, France and Cuneo, near Milan, Italy. The routes will run weekly from the 20th December until April. This brings Ryanair's route schedule for 2008/2009 to 101 routes - up 40% on last year.

Ryanair Fuel Rations

Ryanair pilots have declared 'insane' new measures imposed to cap the amount of fuel reserves pilots can carry on flights. Pilots no longer have discretionary rights to request extra fuel.

According to The Times Online, a memo was sent to pilots in which it stated that they must now carry a maximum of 300kg of oxtra fuel, which equates to just 4 minutes of extra stacking time for a Boeing 737. Under European rules, planes must carry 5% of their load as extra contingency fuel, which should be enough to carry out an approach, divert to another airport, or hold for 30 minutes at another airport. The safety implications are obvious and very disturbing.

In the light of current oil prices, surely it's time for the airlines to re-visit their pricing strategy? Safety can not be compromised amid cost-cutting measures.

Ryanair's Profits Fall

The recent increases in oil prices are continuing to take their toll on the aviation industry, with Ryanair announcing that at best they hoped to break even this year.

Profit results for the first quarter of 2008 show a fall of 85% to €21m (£16.6m). However, chief executive Michael O'Leary announced that he expected flight prices to fall later in the year, as consumer confidence continues to wane.

Ryanair made a smart move recently, when oil prices dipped, hedging fuel prices for the rest of the year.

Ryanair Launches Text Service

Ryanair has launched a new text service, which sends regular flight status updates to UK and Irish mobiles.

The Flight Tracker service could be very useful for people awaiting the arrival of a Ryanair passenger, saving time spent hanging around the airport and also saving money on airport parking charges.

From the UK, call 0844 8 93 93 93 from your mobile or text FR + flight number to 85122. From Ireland, call 0818 220 333 from your mobile or Text FR + flight number to 57252. For a demo, go to www.flighttracker.ie .

Jet2 and Flybe Hit Back At Ryanair Boss O'Leary

Michael O'Leary, the outspoken boss of Ryanair, has angered competitors by saying that he thinks the fuel crisis is a good thing for consumers, and will shut down 'crappy competitors'. He was referring to Jet2, Flybe, Flyglobespan, Sky Europe and Vueling.

O'Leary made the comments during the company's financial results statement on Tuesday. He predicted that only Easyjet, Ryanair, BA, Air France and Lufthansa would either break even or make a profit this year.

In response to these comments, Flybe issued a statement saying the following: 'We note with indifference the latest rantings of Mr O'Leary and notes his usual attempt to deflect attention from his own results by making unsubstantiated accusations about other issues. Flybe also notes that Mr O’Leary tried exactly the same tactic in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007.'

It added: 'Flybe's fuel costs are only 24.6% of its total cost base at today's prices, while Ryanair's are 44.5%. While Mr O'Leary expects to break even only at $130 a barrel we believe that fuel will have to be well over $170 a barrel before Flybe is forced to breakeven.'

Jet2 boss Philip Meeson replied in a statement: 'It won't be Jet2. I'm sorry Mr O'Leary – unlike you, Jet2.com has bought all its fuel for this summer, this coming winter and next summer at attractive rates. Our passengers can rely upon us for many, many years to come.'

Ryanair Extends Charges For Priority Boarding

Ryanair has announced that passengers checking-in online will no longer qualify for free priority boarding.

Currently, passengers checking-in at the airport are charged a £4 fee for priority boarding. Ryanair offered the service free of charge to passengers checking in online, to encourage them to use the online checking-in facility. However, it was only a temporary measure, and the change will come into effect for all bookings from June 3.

On the same date, Ryanair will also be launching an online name change facility, which will allow passengers to make name changes up to 24 hours before travel. Passengers previously were only able to change names by calling the Ryanair call centre.

New Ryanair Route Between Manchester & Frankfurt

Ryanair has announced a new flight route between Manchester Airport and Frankfurt Hahn, starting October 26.

Flights will operate four times per week, on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Ryanair expects to carry 60,000 passengers per year on the route.

This brings the total of Ryanair destinations available from Manchester to 7.