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In a recent earnings call, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby expressed his admiration for Ryanair, calling it "the only remaining successful LCC around the globe" due to its strategy of avoiding high-cost airports. This comment comes as low-cost carriers in the US adjust their operations and fare structures.
Ryanair reported a $1.87 billion profit after tax for FY2025, outperforming other low-cost carriers like easyJet. It also became the first European airline to carry over 200 million passengers in a year. Speaking on June 17 during United's second-quarter earnings call, Kirby highlighted the challenges low-cost carriers face at expensive airports and praised Ryanair's approach of serving secondary airports to maintain competitive fares.
Kirby stated, "For what it’s worth, the only remaining successful LCC around the globe in my view, is Ryanair. And guess what? That’s because they’re the only LCC that stayed true to their founding principles and don’t fly to high-cost airports like London Heathrow or Charles de Gaulle."
