Ryanair looks to develop Milan Malpensa as European hub

Ryanair is ready to invest up to £420 million in Milan's Malpensa Airport as it looks to develop a new primary European hub.

Executives from the Irish low-cost airline are meeting with those from Italian airport operator SEA today to discuss the plans, whereby Ryanair would invest in 12 aircraft based at Malpensa and launch 50 new international routes. These new planes will be introduced between 2008 and 2012 if SEA offers suitable operating conditions and the deal goes ahead.

The news comes following Italian national airline Alitalia's announcement that it would move a significant number of flights away from Malpensa as it returns to Rome as its main hub.

Ryanair has been cutting back its own services from London Stansted (see related Cheapflights story) and sees massive potential for growth in the fashion capital of Italy.

"It is a major investment," a spokesman told The Daily Telegraph. "It is very clear that there is huge room for growth in Milan. We can boost the number of passengers at Malpensa from the current three million to over ten million."

He added that the airport would have to develop more low-cost methods of operating, such as removing the walkways connecting planes to the terminal, meaning that passengers would walk to the aircraft instead.

Ryanair also aims to continue developing its base at Bergamo, where it has four aircraft at present. A £210 million investment would increase the number of aircraft here by six before 2012.

The airline's Peter Sherrard said: "Ryanair's 'Manifesto for Malpensa' can unlock the true potential of the region thanks to the proven ability of our guaranteed lowest fares to deliver record growth for tourism and business."

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