The GBTA has announced that Ryanair’s outspoken CEO Michael O’Leary will be a featured speaker at its conference in Berlin later this year.
O’Leary will talk to delegates about how Ryanair helped “revolutionise” the airline model in Europe, the company’s strategy for the corporate travel market, and its plans for a new distribution platform including Travelport and Google.
The event will take place on November 12-14 in Berlin, Germany.
“We promised pioneers and masters of disruption and no-one fits that bill better than Michael O’Leary,” said Catherine McGavock, GBTA’s regional director for EMEA.
“I am delighted to welcome him as a featured speaker at conference this year and I have no doubt that this session will inspire, enlighten and inform on the future of aviation distribution.”
Earlier this year Ryanair announced a step-change in the way it deals with corporate travellers. It struck deals with GDS firms and launched services such as flexible tickets; reserved seating; fast-track through selected airports and a more “user-friendly website”.
Other services to try and attract business travellers included a mobile app, free second carry-on bag, and a cut in standard airport bag fees.
“European Aviation is set for radical change over the next few years and Ryanair plans to be at the centre during this change,” said O’Leary.
“By November Ryanair will be rolling out an unbeatable business travel proposition and the GBTA audience is a great engagement opportunity. I look forward to sharing my thoughts and plans and my deep love for business travel agents in this session.”
Last month (May 19) Ryanair saw its profits drop 8 per cent to €523 million in the year ending March 2014.
Despite the drop in profits, the first time in five years, passenger traffic grew 3 per cent to 81.7 million.
O’Leary called the results “disappointing” and blamed a 4 per cent decline in fares, weaker sterling and higher fuel costs.
Ryanair.com