Chief Exec Stmnt-Replacement

Ryanair Holdings PLC 22 September 2000 The issuer has made the following amendment to the Chief Executive Statement announcement released today at 11.00 under RNS No 3767R. Please note that paragraph five now reads as follows 'At its meeting this morning the Board of Ryanair approved the exercise of purchase options for three additional Boeing 737-800...' All other details remain unchanged. RYANAIR CONTINUES TO GROW STRONGLY Speaking today (Friday, 22 September 2000) at the Annual General Meeting of Ryanair Holdings plc in Dublin, the Chief Executive of Ryanair, Michael O'Leary gave a positive assessment of current trading conditions at Europe's largest and most successful low fares airline. 'Traffic growth at Ryanair over the busy Summer period has been a little stronger than we initially anticipated. Subject to the final numbers for September, we now expect traffic growth in the second quarter to be some 30 per cent ahead of last year's second quarter, due to the success of Ryanair's ten new routes this summer and the continuing growth of RYANAIR.COM, Europe's largest travel website. During the month of August for example a record 83 per cent of all seats were sold directly, online through RYANAIR.COM and also Ryanair Direct. This figure is up from 40 per cent last year. 'Whilst we are using the cost savings being made by RYANAIR.COM's success to offer even more low fares, these lower fares are in turn generating stronger growth and faster penetration of new routes, by bypassing the traditional distribution channels and offering the public a real choice over the high fare airlines which for too long have been charging extortionate air fares to consumers. 'The announcements last week from both British Airways and KLM of price rises due to fuel price increases indicate just how the alliances and mergers around Europe are bad for the consumer. These airlines would not be able to drive up prices if they were truly competing with each other. We see a future where the only markets where air fares will be falling will be those where Ryanair will be offering low fare competition to the high fare alliances all over Europe. 'At its meeting this morning the Board of Ryanair approved the exercise of purchase options for three additional Boeing 737-800 next generation aircraft with a value of over US$120m. for delivery in mid 2002. This will bring the total new aircraft deliveries in 2002 (from five) to eight 737-800 series aircraft. This will enable Ryanair to maintain its 25 per cent rate of growth in traffic numbers, and will see the fleet rise from 36 to 44 that year. In addition we have today concluded negotiations for the purchase of our own 737-800 series simulator at a value of US$10m., which will enable Ryanair to manage all its pilot training, and ensure that the high operating standards which we have established at Ryanair over the last 16 years are maintained as we continue to expand strongly throughout Europe. 'Ryanair is presently in negotiations with 25 new airports throughout Europe for new route development next year (2001) and we are also in negotiations with five competing airports who want us to base aircraft and open up new routes from their airports next year. This is in marked contrast to the continuing stagnation at our home base in Dublin Airport, where the government owned airport monopoly has introduced dramatic price increases, delivered awful facilities, and traffic (from the UK) has stagnated as a result. 'The fact that traffic to Ireland from the UK - which is by far and away Ireland's largest tourism market - has stagnated, at a time when Sterling is at record levels to the Irish Pound is a damming indictment of the policy of the Minister and Department of Public Enterprise, who continue to protect and support this failed monopoly at the expense of the travelling consumer. 'We believe that our proposals for a new low cost terminal - which we have offered to finance and build - at no cost to the Irish Government or the Irish tax payer - will enable Ryanair to launch up to ten new low fare routes to Ireland from the UK and Continental Europe, will reverse this stagnation, and will introduce much needed competition at Dublin Airport. Competition will improve facilities, lower costs, and promote growth. It is about time that the Minister and Department of Public Enterprise now adopt these consumer orientated policies, and break up the failed and stagnant Aer Rianta airport monopoly. 'As we have highlighted in recent quarters, our results are somewhat enhanced by the extraordinary strength of Sterling against the Euro, and the success of our fuel hedging program in recent years. However, if our main competitors continue to raise prices as they are doing currently, then the prospects for strong growth of the Ryanair 'low fares' formula in Europe remains bright.' Ends. Friday, 22 September 2000 For reference: Michael O'Leary Pat Walsh/Alan Tyrrell Ryanair Murray Consultants Tel. 812 1228 Tel. 663 3332
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