12th May 2020 10:27
(Alliance News) - Ryanair Holdings PLC on Tuesday said it plans to run 40% of its schedule from July, should government measures allow, as the budget carrier unveiled social distancing and precautionary measures for when flights resume.
Ryanair said it aims to operate a daily schedule of about 1,000 flights, and hopes to restore 90% of its pre-pandemic route network.
"Since the Covid-19 flight restrictions in mid-March, Ryanair has been operating a skeleton daily schedule of 30 flights between Ireland, the UK and Europe. From July, Ryanair will restart flying from most of its 80 bases across Europe," Ryanair said.
"There will be fewer daily/weekly frequencies on trunk routes, as Ryanair works to restore some services on the widest number of routes, rather than operating high frequency services on a small number."
All cabin crew will wear face masks, and in-flight services will be limited to just pre-packaged snacks and drinks with just cashless payments only.
Passengers also will have to wear face masks and undergo temperature checks at the airport. What's more, there will be no queues for on-board lavatories, with passengers being made to ask cabin crew if they can use the toilet.
"As a temporary further public health measure, while European Union states emerge from their respective Covid-19 lockdowns, Ryanair will require all passengers flying in July & August to fill in details (at the point of check in) of how long their planned visit will be, and also their address while visiting another EU country, and this contact information will be provided to EU governments to help them to monitor any isolation regulations they require of visitors on intra-EU flights," Ryanair added.
It's been tough time for airlines globally, as lockdowns and international travel restrictions have emptied skies.
Dublin-based Ryanair earlier in May warned 3,000 jobs could go, as it embarks on a restructuring in response to destructive effects the pandemic has had on travel.
"With more than six weeks to go to July 1, Ryanair believes this is the most practical date to resume normal flight schedules, so that we can allow friends and families to reunite, commuters to go back to work, and allow those tourism based economies such as Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, France and others, to recover what is left of this year's tourism season," Chief Executive Officer Eddie Wilson said.
Ryanair shares were 3.3% higher at EUR9.16 each in London on Tuesday morning.
By Eric Cunha; [email protected]
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