Quantcast

Ryanair's cost-cutting seat features explained

Emirates operates with SAF at London Heathrow Airport
British Airways Introduces Brunch Service on Long-Haul Flights
AirAsia FREE SEATS is BACK! - Book Cheap Flight now!
FAA Investigating After JetBlue Plane Skids Off Runway
Virgin Atlantic Offers Family-Friendly Holiday Packages
The Billion-Dollar Outlier That's Rescuing San Francisco Tourism
Alaska Airlines Adding More Boeing 787 to Boost Seattle Hub
Ryanair cancels 170 flights, disrupts over 30,000 passengers on French ATC strike
What to Know About Travel to Europe During This Record-Breaking Heatwave
Airport Workers Save the Day After Woman Loses Diamond from Her Engagement Ring in Baggage Carousel
I never talk to strangers on the plane. After my dad died, a passenger helped me talk about my grief.
American Airlines reveals new summer route: Miami → Rome
Budget UK airline launches huge sale with £29 flights to 475 holiday hotspots – but you’ll have to be quick
Delta Passengers Can Book a ‘Last Mile’ Private Jet Charter to Europe This Summer
Honeywell Runway Safety Technology Selected by Southwest Airlines for Fleetwide Installation
Southwest Airlines Adds Cockpit Alerts to Boost Runway Safety
This Airline Is Going to Start Handing Out $675 Fines to 'Unruly' Passengers: 'It Is Unacceptable'
Summer of savings? New analysis shows airfare has dropped significantly - The Points Guy
Travelers are taking extreme measures and using hacks to avoid airline baggage fees
Pigeons Cause Chaos on Delta Flight
United Airlines’ Uniforms Get A Facelift—And A Political Filter
United Continues to Face Catering Chaos at San Francisco
Passenger tries opening plane door mid-flight, gets zip-tied by veterans
Passenger Stows Away on Delta Flight from New York to Paris
Wizz Air becomes first airline to operate P&W-powered Airbus A321XLR jet
Hawaiian Airlines’ new ‘no show’ policy may make travel more expensive
BLIMP-SE OF THE FUTURE Luxury zeppelins of the future from ‘flying bum’ world’s largest aircraft to Google billionaire’s ‘impossible’ airship
Swiss Startup SmartFlyer Develops Hybrid-Electric Trainer
San Francisco-based entrepreneur takes a trip on India's worst-rated airline, his reaction will surprise you
First-Time Flyer at 81: A Grandmother's Memorable Journey
Ryanair's cost-cutting seat features explained
Policy
Webp received 9401777339881998
Neil Sorahan Ryanair's Group Chief Financial Officer | Ryanair Group

Ryanair, a pioneer of the ultra-low-cost airline model, focuses on reducing operational costs to offer significantly cheaper fares than full-service carriers. While low-cost carriers in the United States might provide tickets that are 10-20% less expensive than their full-service counterparts, Ryanair routinely offers prices at less than a third of those charged by network carriers.

The airline achieves this cost advantage through meticulous evaluation of each route and careful management of all operational elements. This approach has made Ryanair a model for others worldwide to replicate.

One well-known strategy is Ryanair's preference for smaller tertiary and secondary airports located far from city centers, which typically have lower operating costs. For instance, instead of using London City Airport (LCY) or London Heathrow Airport (LHR), Ryanair operates out of London Stansted Airport (STN).

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

There are also several less obvious methods Ryanair employs to reduce costs. The carrier makes bulk purchases to secure discounts and hires pilots and flight attendants early in their careers who command lower wages. Additionally, it limits passenger baggage by charging high fees for anything beyond a small personal item.

Within the aircraft cabins themselves, there are subtle features designed to cut costs:

1. **Non-reclining seats**: Ryanair's seats do not recline, which reduces manufacturing and maintenance costs due to fewer moving parts.

2. **No seatback pockets**: Eliminating seatback pockets simplifies cleaning and lowers installation costs for new aircraft seats.

3. **Safety information on seats**: Instead of traditional leaflets, safety information is displayed directly on the back of seats, eliminating printing and replacement expenses.

4. **Fixed armrests**: Non-movable armrests reduce manufacturing costs and allow for maximum seating capacity within the aircraft.

5. **Non-adjustable headrests**: By removing adjustable headrests, Ryanair further cuts down on purchase and maintenance expenses.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Flying Food Group has announced reaching 20,000 followers.

Aug 5, 2025

Flying Food Group's Miami facility recently held an event to honor its Employee of the Month and celebrate work anniversaries.

Aug 5, 2025

Yesterday, a Turkish Airlines Boeing 777-300ER was evacuated at Antalya Airport after smoke was seen coming from its landing gear while taxiing.

Aug 5, 2025

Alaska Airlines has announced the addition of seven new routes across 12 cities in California, Oregon, Washington, and Idaho.

Aug 5, 2025

Ramp is offering a platform aimed at streamlining expense management for U.S.-based businesses with strong cash flow.

Aug 5, 2025

The Boeing E-7 Wedgetail has been identified as the primary replacement for the aging Boeing E-3 Sentry airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft, though its future with the United States Air Force (USAF) remains uncertain.

Aug 5, 2025