Ryanair (FR, Dublin International) CEO Michael O'Leary says his airline has been talks with Israeli authorities over the possibility of the establishment of what he called an "Israeli version of Ryanair."
"We're actively talking to the Israeli authorities, but the difficulty is that once you go outside Europe you need to have, in this case, an Israeli air operator's certificate," he told the Irish Independent. "But it's still very much on the front foot for us. But the Israeli authorities have got much more nervous about protecting El Al Israel Airlines (LY, Tel Aviv Ben Gurion) from competition because of the recent events."
Ryanair intends to use the carrier to serve not only the Israeli market, but also Russia, central Europe, the United Kingdom, and Germany among others. It will establish a "big" base in the country if the plans eventually come to fruition.
The Irish LCC is also in talks with the Cypriot government concerning a possible take-over of struggling Cyprus Airways (1947) (Larnaca). O'Leary has said that should his airline be successful in its bid, it would focus on Cyprus Airways retaining its current brand in addition to operating under a separate AOC to that of Ryanair.
