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Ryanair looking outside Airbus and Boeing for future fleet

Analysis

Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary confirmed that the carrier held talks with Russian and Chinese aircraft manufacturers about new aircraft, in a major departure for the airline. Ryanair operates a fleet of 265 B737NG aircraft and has only once operated aircraft from a non-US/European manufacturer, when it flew small Embraer turboprops after its launch in the mid-1980s.

Ryanair broke off negotiations with Boeing over a large new order in late 2009, with the two parties unable to agree on terms and conditions. Russia's United Aircraft Corporation is developing the MS-21,a 150-210 seat narrowbody, while China's COMAC is developing the slightly smaller C919 aircraft. Both aircraft feature next generation engines and both are planned to enter service in 2016.

Norwegian Air Shuttle reported the following traffic highlights in Feb-2011:

  • Passenger numbers: 935,488, +12% year-on-year;
  • Passenger load factor: 76%, stable;
  • Yield*: EUR6.18 cents, -6%;
  • Revenue per ASK: EUR4.64 cents, -6%;
  • On-time departure rate: 82.8%.

* Based on the conversion rate EUR1 = NOK7.764

On share markets, SpiceJet rose 7.9%, on better confidence in Indian markets. Southwest Airline shares jumped 7.6% as the carrier reported double-digit traffic growth for Feb-2011 and CEO Garry Kelly confirmed it may make additional fare increases following the USD5 per sector increase in Feb-2011.

Selected PEA daily share price movements (% change): 08-Mar-2011

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