In an insightful interview, Eddie Wilson, CEO, Ryanair DAC discussed the “game-changing” effects of harnessing digital innovation, disruptive forces in the ancillary landscape, and the cost of sustainability.
The LCC leader highlighted the fundamental role that digital transformation has played in facilitating the airline’s growth. Emphasising the importance of actively pushing for innovation in this industry, Eddie cautioned that “any organisation that doesn’t have its own in-house innovation centre with all the changes that are coming is really going to be a step behind everyone else.”
Earning its place in the top five airlines worldwide for ancillary sales, Ryanair generated €3.8b in ancillary revenue in the 12 months to the end of March this year, up from €2.1bn in the previous financial year. Discussing this ancillary landscape, Eddie highlighted the airline’s core ancillaries and outlined the opportunities opening up in the near future.
Continuing the discussion on sustainability, the conversation expanded on last year’s exploration of the challenges and practical implications of transitioning the industry. Looking at the role of government in this shift, the Ryanair DAC CEO conveyed the airline’s passionate stance on the topic:
“We are shouting from the rooftops to government saying you need to incentivise the fuel companies so that we’ve got the feedstocks, […] so that we can get to net zero by 2050.”
To hear more on what SAF will mean for passengers and the benefits of digital innovation, watch the full interview.
