Ryanair upgrades to business class

Dublin: Irish budget airline Ryanair has launched a new business service targeting companies wanting to cut costs, it said on Wednesday.

The Dublin-based airline announced in a statement that its new Ryanair Business Plus would offer business travellers various benefits including ticket change flexibility, greater baggage allowance, priority boarding and premium seats.

Prices will begin at €69.99 (Dh338.95, $92.29) per seat per flight.

The airline said that more than 25 per cent of its passengers are currently travelling on business.

The move comes as Ryanair continues its customer service overhaul, which has already seen a new website and app, a free second carry-on bag, and a new service for families.

“Our commitment to the improvement of our customer experience under our ‘Always Getting Better’ programme continues,” said Chief Marketing Officer Kenny Jacobs.

“This launch of Ryanair Business Plus, combined with our new groups and corporate service, will make business travel with Ryanair ever simpler.”

The move is likely to be seen as an attempt to cut into the big and vitally important profit margins which other airlines earn from business travel.

The airline also confirmed on Wednesday it would make a bid for the embattled Cypriot national carrier Cyprus Airlines.

Kenny Jacobs told BBC radio that Ryanair would submit a business proposal for Cyprus Airlines before Friday’s deadline.