Ryanair announced on Thursday, January 23, that it would be opening a new base in Lisbon that would “allow Portuguese consumers and visitors to escape TAP’s high fares” – while providing the added bonus of as many as 900 jobs.
Announcing the launch of the low cost airline’s 65 base, Chief Commercial Officer David O’Brien said: “Only Ryanair, with its 175 new aircraft order, can deliver the capacity, new markets and low costs demanded by Portuguese consumers and visitors, and looks forward to working with Lisbon Airport to unlock the vast potential currently suppressed by high access air costs.”
The new base (the third in Portugal) – to go operational in April – represents a €66 million, which also includes the opening of four new routes at Dole (France), Manchester (UK), Marseilles (France) and Pisa (Italy).
In a press release announcing the news, Ryanair says it hopes to move 900,000 passengers through Lisbon and run 124 weekly flights. It is not specified how many of the onsite jobs will go to local Portuguese people, but the airline confirms there will be 900 of them.
And to “celebrate” the news, “Ryanair is launching a seat sale with fares starting from €17.99 for travel across Europe in February and March,” said O’Brien. The “crazy low prices” are now on sale and will be available for booking until midnight on Monday (January 27) via www.ryanair.com
