a350lover wrote:minilinde wrote:We dont know if its a base (as indicated in the topic title), or operated from the other end.
The early departure times from ARN indicate FR will base planes there. It'll be operated by Malta Air.
Daily early departures to both Malmo and Gothenburg. Interestingly FR does not enter to busier domestic routes such as Lulea, or Umea (third busiest route, ahead Malmo).
Not surprised that Ryanair shy away from domestic routes here. In my opinion, Ryanair have had limited success on domestic routes in many markets, I'll cite some examples and the reason for lack of success on same :
Range of UK domestic routes (long before Brexit) were tried and tested. One of the largest was Gatwick/Belfast, they won the slots in as part of IAG Aer Lingus take over. This at the outset looked like a huge coup for them. One of the busier domestic routes, and they were up to x5 daily. It got pulled and slots surrendered. Fares are as low as 12.99 on day before travel. This route if I'm mistaken was no. 1 UK domestic route or certainly no. 2 for a time when FR were operating. FR banked on easyJet exiting.
Same story for a clatter of other domestic routes, like STN/Scotland.
The issue here is that domestic is a late booking market, UK domestic market is very late, and Ryanair are designed to maximise load factors, hence they drive to fill the plane as soon as possible. When they enter busy markets they cannot get the last seat high prices, usually because of competitor offerings, doesn't lend itself well to Ryanair pricing model.
Hence, they are attempting to sell early and dumping price to fill the plane. EasyJet have been far better in this space. In addition limited ancillary pick up, less revenue on baggage and other add ons. Deployment of plane more lucrative on international flying.
However, covid times you could expect them to try anything to deploy aircraft. Competitors now understand the Ryanair tactics of driving competitors out with low fares, into which FR make a big investment to secure the market for itself. Lufthansa, Eurowings, easyJet are examples who now hold firm.
At ARL though a surprise move, as has been suggested clearly its an attempt to pressure a reforming Norwegian.