According to a 2024 report from the World Travel & Tourism Council, global business travel has now surpassed pre-pandemic levels and was estimated to account for $1.5 trillion in spending last year alone.
O'Leary defended his remuneration by comparing it to the high salaries of Premiership footballers, claiming Ryanair shareholders receive exceptional value from management's share options.
I think it's due to the economic issues where money is uncertain. People still want to travel, and some have to for reasons they can't avoid, so they're inclined to find discounts.
"We've always had heart," said Barry Biffle, CEO of Frontier Airlines in a press release. "Some airlines are walking away from what travelers love, but we're running towards it. Think of this as the ultimate 'divorce your old airline' deal."