Quantcast

Ryanair's cost-cutting seat features explained

Flight made emergency landing in Denver after reported animal strike and engine fire
General Dynamics says G800 jet receives FAA, EASA certifications
United Airlines doubles down on Chicago roots with new O'Hare billboards
Gatwick airport strikes, Easter 2025: will my flight be cancelled?
Boarding passes and check-in could be scrapped in air travel shake-up
European air traffic warning means summer delays for holidaymakers
The EU rule change that could affect millions of Brits when their flight is delayed or cancelled
Delta Earnings Land Soon. Why They’re Key for Airline Stocks and the Economy.
Avelo Airlines to Operate Deportation Flights, Hiring Flight Attendants
Travel chaos 2025: all the strikes and disruption expected across Europe
Qatar Airways accelerates Starlink wifi implementation
Southwest Airlines extends flight schedule through early April 2025
Cathay Pacific reaches 3,400 pilots this year, with low resignation rate of 2.9%
Qatar Airways Nears Boeing 777 Fleet-Wide Starlink Upgrade
United receives FAA approval for first Starlink-equipped planes
50 New Routes Launching In April 2025
Qantas launches mammoth Asia flight sale including Bali and Japan
New Update from Air Canada, WestJet, American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska, JetBlue Airways, and Sunwing: Airline Capacity Between Canada and US Slashed as Bookings Plummet Seventy Per Cent
Delta Cuts Two Domestic Routes
United Airlines Technicians Reject ‘Dead on Arrival’ Contract Proposal, Teamsters Say
The State of the Asia Pacific Airline Industry
Spirit Airlines to add Detroit nonstop flight out of Bradley International Airport
Major airline to launch new direct flights from Scotland to North America
Ryanair launches new ‘prime’ membership which saves passengers more than £400 a year
Judge Orders Boeing to Trial on 737 MAX Case
Qantas’ free international Wi-Fi to switch on from next week
The real reason Southwest is charging for bags now
Air France-KLM in ongoing talks with Air Europa on potential stake, CEO says
Frontier Savagely Shades Southwest After They Eliminated Longstanding Free Bag Policy, Sparking Backlash
Frontier Wants You to 'Divorce Your Old Airline' After Southwest Changes
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

Airlines worldwide are enhancing premium offerings to remain competitive and meet increasing passenger expectations, especially on long-haul routes.

May 1, 2025

The latest study on America's airline industry reveals some unexpected shifts in performance rankings.

May 1, 2025

Flight attendants sometimes choose to commute to their base by air, despite the tiring nature of frequent flying.

May 1, 2025

Finnair has announced that it will furlough 36 long-haul pilots from the end of September until at least May 2026.

Apr 30, 2025

Delta Air Lines initially placed a significant order for the McDonnell Douglas MD-90, a continuation of the DC-9 family and associated with the MD-88.

Apr 30, 2025

Emirates Airlines has announced the introduction of its first long-range Airbus A350-900 to replace the Boeing 777-200LR for flights to Adelaide, Australia.

Apr 30, 2025