Just days after it was reported that Ryanair was to start operating transatlantic flights, the airline has poured cold water on the plans.
A company statement that emerged yesterday (Thursday) read, "In the light of recent press coverage, the Board of Ryanair Holdings Plc wishes to clarify that it has not considered or approved any transatlantic project and does not intend to do so."
Earlier this week, the Financial Times reported that the low-cost airline will offer one-way flights to the US for as little as £10, although most fares will be a lot higher.
Flights between about a dozen of European and US cities are currently being considered, assuming Ryanair can secure a deal with a long-haul carrier, likely to be either Airbus or Boeing.
Ryanair chief Michael O'Leary has proposed the idea of transatlantic flights many times before, but now with the board's approval it seems to be legitimate part of the company's expansion plans.
"European consumers want lower cost travel to the USA and the same for Americans coming to Europe. We see it as a logical development in the European market,” said a representative, speaking about the approval.
Icelandic airline WOW Air has already announced plans to fly from Dublin to cities in the US for as little as €149.
