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Ryanair CEO Sees Ukraine Aviation Opportunity Once War Ends

WATCH: Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary discusses European air travel demand, capacity challenges, and the limits of price increases.Source: Bloomberg

Ryanair Holdings Plc Chief Executive Officer Michael O’Leary said the discount carrier is prepared to swiftly resume operations in Ukraine once it becomes safe again to fly in the war-ravaged country.

The carrier has hired about 60 Ukrainian pilots and about 80 cabin crew that are mainly located at Ryanair’s bases in Poland as it waits for the market to eventually reopen, O’Leary said on a panel at the Bloomberg New Economy Gateway Europe. The airline would plan to create 30 routes and have several bases in the country within 12 months after returning, he said.