Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary promises flights to New York for under £10

Chief exec says bargain flights would be available when the airline eventually purchases long-haul aircrafts

Ryanair Chief Executive Officer Michael O'Leary (Getty Images)

Budget airline Ryanair plans to offer flights to the United States for as little as €10 (£8) when it eventually purchases long-haul aircraft.

During the Irish Hotels Federation conference in Meath earlier this week, airline chief executive Michael O’Leary promised tickets to New York and Boston for just €10 – but fees for baggage handling, printed boarding tickets and other necessities would be piled on top.

“We can make money on 99 cent fares in Europe,” Mr O’Leary told the conference. “Not every seat will be €10 of course, there will also need to be a very high number of business or premium seats.”

He argued it would be “mad” to switch off from the 15 per cent of the public who are prepared to pay for the frills, The Telegraph reported.

Ryanair confirmed to The Independent that the airline is planning to offer flights to New York and Boston for under £10.

Media reports have suggested flights could be available within six months of Ryanair obtaining the long-haul aircrafts.

The flights would leave from up to 14 major European cities and fly to between 12 and 14 destinations in the US.

Buying them, however, could take up to five years. Ryanair remained close-lipped on when the flights could be available. “Ryanair does not engage in speculation," a spokesman said.

The announcement comes almost a month after the outspoken boss introduced new initiatives in an attempt to shed its image for poor customer service.

The new approach, which included reducing boarding card and airport bag fees, appeared to be working as the airline saw customer numbers rise by 6 per cent to 18 million.