Ryanair’s Strategic Decisions and Airport Expansion Updates

Reference point decisions and new routes

Shrewd as foxes, these Irish from Ryanair. At the end of January, they announced they had shelved the idea of choosing Gabriele D’Annunzio as the European reference base.

Then, a few days ago, during a press conference to announce new routes, they hinted that perhaps there was still some hope. Now, another change of course, or if we want to stay optimistic, another postponement of the decision.

Arrival of new aircraft and future airports

Here’s the reason for the new pivot: Ryanair has expanded its fleet with two new aircrafts, also announcing the activation of ultra-low-cost links from Treviso and Pisa to Brussels (Charleroi).

The Irish airline — which is growing at record speeds — is expecting the arrival of five more aircrafts. At that point, the still-urgent task will be to choose the reference airport for layover, maintenance, and all those operations that regulate the life of an airline fleet.

There’s still time to make the final choice; meanwhile, the Irish company continues to negotiate to see who can ultimately offer the best guarantees, keeping Montichiari on edge.

Interventions and strengthening

Whether the decision for Montichiari has fully faded, is confirmed by Antonio Realdi, director of the Brescia airport, who with a hint of veiled disappointment, is forced to announce the news he would never have wanted to share with Brescia passengers.

Ryanair will continue for now to ensure two daily flights to London at rock-bottom prices, with periodic offers available on the Internet at www.rayanair.com.

Meanwhile, charter flights to tourist destinations in Tunisia, organized by the Tour operator La Bottega dei Viaggi based in Gardone Valtrompia, are continuing well, with its third route in a month operated this Monday.

Similarly, the ongoing relationship between Brescia-based Air Dolomiti and D’Annunzio airport for daily flights to Rome — Fiumicino — remains active.

Developments and possible replacements

An agreement that will last at least until March 24, when the Brescia company is expected to be replaced by the Sicilian Gold Wing, which has committed to providing faster and larger aircrafts.

The management of Catullo spa, which oversees Verona and Brescia airports, has not yet confirmed the replacement, and new possibilities, such as the reaffirmation of Air Dolomiti itself, are still possible.

Positive notes are also expected from the Ministry of the Interior regarding the number of vehicles and personnel available to the Fire Brigade stationed at Brescia airport.

Investments in the Fire Brigade

“They should soon increase to 60,” explains Realdi, with a hint of understandable skepticism given previous repeated announcements — “to enable the three shifts to be organized more calmly and efficiently.”

A new fire truck, the so-called “reserve wheel,” is also expected to be added to prevent recurring airplane diversions caused by fire truck failures, as happened ten days ago.