Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary has used the opening of the airline’s new European Training Centre at Stansted to renew his call for the UK to vote to stay in the European Union.
The low-cost carrier said it would create more than 1,000 new jobs for pilots, cabin crew and engineers through the new training centre, including more than 450 employees who will be used to help staff Ryanair’s planned expansion of its UK operations.
But O’Leary warned that this type of investment would be under threat if the British people voted for “Brexit” in the EU referendum on June 23.
“It is exactly this type of investment that will be lost to other competitor EU members if the UK votes to leave the European Union,” said O’Leary.
“The single market has enabled Ryanair to lead the low-fare air travel revolution in Europe, as we bring millions of British citizens to Europe each year.
“We are calling on everyone to turn out in large numbers and vote “Remain” on June 23. I am absolutely certain that the UK economy is better off in Europe.”
The new training centre will provide extra staff to work at the 13 UK airports that Ryanair currently operates from. The airline is adding 14 new aircraft to its UK operation with the aim of increasing passenger traffic from 36 million last year to 41 million in 2016.
Chancellor George Osborne, who is one of the leading campaigners to stay in the EU, also attended the opening ceremony at Stansted.
“Attracting the investment Britain needs from around the world in order to keep growing and creating good jobs here at home is key if we are to create lasting economic security for working people,” said Osborne.
“That's why I'm delighted to be at Ryanair today to hear about their plans to create 450 new highly-skilled jobs this year in the UK, and welcome their call for Britain to remain part of the European Union.”
Charlie Cornish, CEO of Stansted owner Manchester Airports Group (MAG), also praised the EU for “opening up” the European aviation market to increased competition.
“The EU has done far more for British consumers and businesses than any government could ever have done acting on its own,” he said.