Ryanair has announced it is considering pay freezes and an increased use of artificial intelligence to help offset a dramatic surge in fuel costs for the upcoming year. The Dublin-based airliner stated that it expects jet fuel prices to remain elevated well into 2027 due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. While the company currently has around 80% of its jet fuel hedged at much lower rates, this protection will fade out after the financial year ends. As a result, Ryanair predicts an increase of roughly two billion euros in its fuel bill for the period leading up to March 2028. Bosses noted that European short-haul airfares will need to increase materially to reflect these higher expenses, though this may not entirely cover the shortfall. Consequently, the airline is reviewing all costs, focusing on labor agreements that could result in temporary pay freezes, lower crewing ratios, and greater adoption of artificial intelligence in back-office and support functions. This financial pressure comes as the company revealed that profit after tax fell by 15% to 2.15 billion euros for the half-year to September, despite revenues increasing by 3% to 10.08 billion euros, driven by a 6% rise in passenger numbers. Meanwhile, operating costs grew by 10% to 7.69 billion euros. Chief executive Michael O’Leary noted that while third-quarter demand remains strong, the booking window stays close-in, leaving zero visibility for the fourth quarter. Fuente: The Standard (Reino Unido) #Ryanair #Aviation #Business #AI #FuelCosts
También lo cubren: Belfast Telegraph, The Standard.
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