Low-cost Irish carrier Ryanair is hoping to duplicate a concept first introduced by Spring Airlines of China for standing-room aeroplane flights.

Media reports in Britain and North America say Ryanair is awaiting the go-ahead from the Irish Aviation Authority to press ahead with the project.

The standing passengers would be anchored to what are referred to as 'bar stools' (see graphic), which Ryanair would turn to Boeing to build.

The airline estimates the transformation would boost passenger capacity by 50 per cent and cut costs by 20 per cent, the reports said, quoting airline Chief Executive Michael O'Leary.

Ryanair hopes to grow passenger to 67 million this year, or by about 13 per cent, compared with 15 per cent growth in 2008.

The increase in loads, notwithstanding, the budget carrier end the year with a loss of some US$145 million, its first in 20 years, Reuters reported.

In the month of June the airline's passengers numbers grew 13 per cent to 5.84 million, giving Ryanair a one-point boost in load factor to 85 per cent.

The company flies mainly to Europe and North Africa.

business@gleanerjm.com