28th Mar 2008 15:36
Ryanair Holdings PLC28 March 2008 RYANAIR PLANS UP TO 40 TELESALES REDUNDANCIES IN DUBLIN Ryanair, today (Friday, 28th March 2008) announced that it plans to close itsDublin Telesales Operation (Ryanair Direct) at the end of May, which may lead toup to 40 redundancies as part of its cost reduction programme to combat recordhigh ($100 p. bl.) oil prices, while continuing to guarantee the lowest faresand no fuel surcharges for passengers. Speaking today, Ryanair's CEO Michael O'Leary said: "The decision to close our Dublin Telesales activity is a painful one. Sadly, the operation is no longer viable or cost competitive against a backdrop of dwindling demand for phone bookings (now less than 1% of sales) while Internet bookings now account for over 99% of ticket sales. Our existing Romanian and German call centres will continue to provide telesales services at 60% lower costs than Ryanair Direct. These kind of cost savings must be made if Ryanair is to remain Europe's lowest cost airline in these difficult recessionary markets. "Whilst we will be encouraging these telesales people to apply for other vacancies in Ryanair, should they not apply or be successful, then they will be made redundant at the end of May. While record high oil prices and falling fares continue, it is sensible and prudent that we streamline our business and reduce costs in order to remain the only airline in Europe to guarantee the lowest fares and guarantee no fuel surcharges ever" ENDS Friday, 28th March 2008 For reference: Peter Sherrard Pauline McAlester / Robert MarshallRyanair Murray ConsultantsTel: 00 353 1 812 1598 Tel: 00 353 1 4980300 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
RYA.L