Ryanair flew for years with the idea of starting transatlantic flights, but   
   the budget company is now resolute: that is not going to happen. The Irish   
   airline wants to go expand further into Eastern Europe, the Middle East and   
   North Africa.   
       
   Ryanair has ordered 135 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, which have sufficient   
   flight range to fly from Western Europe to the American East coast, but the   
   commpany will not use them for that.   
       
   "We have no plan to fly long haul," said marketing director Kenny Jacobs to   
   the Irish Independent. "We are now expanding our network by flying to places   
   like Ukraine, Jordan and Israel."   
       
   In 2015, the Financial Times reported that Ryanair had decided to start   
   trans-Atlantic flights in four to five years, and CEO Michael O'Leary also   
   regularly indicated his interest. That could have been a publicity stunt.   
       
   It is also possible that Ryanair has been deterred by the results of low-cost   
   competitors who have entered the transatlantic market, such as Norwegian.   
   Although Norwegian offers more and more intercontinental flights, it is not   
   yet possible to make a profit.   
      
   --- D'Bridge 3.99 SR33   
    * Origin: AVIATION HQ (2:292/854)