Mike O’Leary, the handsome, irrepressible CEO of Ireland’s wildly successful discount carrier Ryanair has been infuriating the unions again. This time, it’s because he has forbidden employees to charge their mobile phones in the office at a saving of, perhaps, a penny a charge. This comes hot on the heels of disallowing the purchase of Post-It notes and high-lighters for office staff. Worse, it follows a directive that employees should try to pick up pens elsewhere.
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Mike O’Leary applies equally unforgiving discipline to Ryanair’s passengers.His latest cost savings slash cabin comfort to the barely credible. He has removed reclining seats, so now passengers have to endure the whole flight sitting up straight.
Onboard, it’s the law of the jungle. There are no seat allocations. No newspapers. No pull-down shades on the windows. And your sick bag is the photo-processing envelope in the pocket of the seat in front of you.
O’Leary’s very…Irish:
CEO O’Leary explains the ethos with his legendary Irish charm: “For years flying has been the preserve of rich f***kers. Now everyone can afford to fly.”
I’ve actually thought about this solution:
Late last year, Ryanair announced its intention to start charging for checked baggage. Prices quoted in the media range from £5 to £10 per bag ($9 to $19) — although I have read estimates as high as £50 ($90) — not, says O’Leary, to generate more revenue from passengers, but to discourage them from bringing check-in baggage at all. This is because he wants to eliminate airport charges for baggage-handling crews and equipment at airports. And once carry-on luggage is eliminated, he can also do away with check-in counters and staff. So it will be strictly carry-on, and do-it-yourself check-in.