“Business quality, Ryanair prices” – this is the slogan of a new marketing campaign by national railway company Comboios de Portugal’s (CP), in which it offers business class trips between Lisbon and Porto for “just” €18.50.
The initiative was prompted by the launch of new domestic flight routes by Irish low-cost airline Ryanair connecting Lisbon to Porto and Faro in April at a starting price of €19.99.
Furthermore, the small text in CP’s advertisement might just spark a bitter feud with the Irish airline.
“CP has been connecting Lisbon to Porto since 1877. While others invent new means of transport, we improve ours to make them faster, cheaper, and more environmentally-friendly and comfortable,” reads the advertisement which aims to promote the company’s Alfa Pendular trains.
It also adds that the trains have “Wi-Fi connection, food services” and … “a lot of leg room”.
Adding fuel to the fire, CP continues: “And you will not waste any time with check-ins, security checks and baggage claims”, ending with the statement “The Alfa-Pendular train welcomes Ryanair”.
The airline has not yet reacted to CP’s marketing campaign despite also being known for its own provocative ways.
In 2011, Ryanair sent a bouquet of 10 roses to TAP’s workers union to stir up the rival airline for leading its workers to plan a 10-day strike which would “greatly inconvenience” the airline’s passengers.
