Ryanair has dismissed the possibility of acquiring any of the slots that ITA Airways is set to relinquish as part of the Lufthansa merger, according to its CEO, Michael O'Leary. In a recent interview, O'Leary stated that Ryanair is not interested in expanding its operations at the Rome Fiumicino airport, the main hub of ITA Airways. The Italian airline is currently undergoing a restructuring process, which includes the sale of some of its assets, including airport slots.
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These slots are highly coveted by other airlines, as they allow them to operate flights to and from popular destinations. Lufthansa, which is in the process of acquiring a significant stake in ITA Airways, has expressed interest in acquiring some of these slots. However, Ryanair has ruled out any interest in these slots. O'Leary explained that the company is already satisfied with its presence at Rome Fiumicino airport and does not see the need to expand its operations there. He also added that Ryanair is focused on growing its business in other markets and does not want to become overly reliant on any single airport.
The decision by Ryanair to reject the ITA Airways slots is a significant blow to Lufthansa's plans. The German airline had hoped to acquire a significant number of slots in order to expand its operations at Rome Fiumicino airport. However, with Ryanair out of the picture, Lufthansa will have to compete with other airlines for these valuable assets.
The rejection of the ITA Airways slots also highlights the competitive nature of the European airline industry. Ryanair, which is one of the largest low-cost carriers in Europe, is constantly looking for ways to expand its business and gain market share. The company's decision to reject the ITA Airways slots is a clear indication that it is not afraid to pass up on opportunities that do not align with its long-term strategy.