Ryanair targets business class

RYANAIR revved up its charm offensive on customers yesterday with the launch by Europe’s largest budget airline of a flexible business-class 
ticket.

CEO of Ryanair Michael O'Leary. Picture: Getty

Michael O’Leary, the carrier’s outspoken chief executive, who insisted earlier this year that the airline needed to stop irritating customers with petty restrictions, said more than a quarter of its passengers are already business people.

The group, which is marketing the ticket under the slogan “Your boss will approve”, hopes having a business-class option will allow it to capture three-quarters of all work travel between the UK and Ireland, its two main markets.

Business Plus will give executives a range of benefits, including flexibility on ticket changes, 20kg of checked-in bag allowance, fast-track airport security at selected airports, priority boarding and premium seats.

The new service will start at €69.99 (about £56). Ryanair boosted its earnings forecast for 2014 last month, citing service enhancements as the key driver of growth.