Ryanair Strategy
Ryanair Strategy
Ryanairs objective is to increase its passenger traffic and expand
into other markets by increasing the number of routes the company has
established. Ryanair wants to move into the US market with low cost
and no frills service. Ryanair will utilize a concentrated segmentation
strategy to accomplish the proposed objective effectively. Ryanair will
focus on specific groups within both the US and European markets. The
target segment we suggest focusing on is: tourists with higher incomes,
business class, couples, or families without children, aged 35-50. This
segment strategy and target group fits with the firms’ low-cost no frills
service.
Current Market
Ryanair ‘s mission statement : Ryanair will become Europe’s
most profitable lowest cost airline by rolling out our proven ‘low-fare-
no-frills’ service in all markets in which we operate, to the benefit of our
passengers, people, and shareholders (Ryanair Report, 1997).
Ryanair is the unquestioned leader in the low cost airline indus
try. The company has had this position for many years and strives con-
tinually to maintain it. The last few years have witnessed revolutions in
the airline industry with many innovations in the airline and aircraft in
dustry. The governments have adjusted regulations throughout the indus-
try to help maintain high safety standards while still allowing a competi
tive market. Ryanair has had a history of very few accidents and is con
sidered to be very safe to fly with. As a very competitive and safe airline
with short turnaround times, it has become a very popular airline for
price conscious travelers. The facilities for online travel bookings make
it all the more accessible it is the undisputed leader in the low cost air
line industry.
The airline is well known for its low budget fares which is from
the mission and vision statement and is a strategy all by itself. The cost
leadership role which Ryanair has assumed will help it reach the target
passenger rate. To implement this Ryanair has to be dedicated towards
achieving the low cost performance in all functions of the service mod
ule, be it: value chain, gate turn around, unionizing of operational staff,
incentive based compensation, flying patterns, routines, routes, etc.,
which have provided significant savings for Ryanair. In addition to the
flight service, Ryanair also provides some extra services, such as: car
rentals, hotels, airport transfer, travel insurance, credit cards, and free
city guides.
Many competitors in Europe offer low cost flights, but there are
no low cost airlines flying internationally, especially to North America.
This will be an advantage for Ryanair to move forward to be the first
low cost airline for overseas destinations. In order to provide low cost
flights, Ryanair will offer limited point to point routes. In order to attract
customers to Ryanair’s flights, the preferred destination for Ryanairs in
bound flight to North America is New York City. New York City is a de
sirable destination with its large urban size and plethora of cultural activ
ities. Additionally it is major airline hub for domestic flights, allowing
passengers to easily make connecting flights to continue on to other des
tinations.