Irish airline Ryanair is to invest over US$3 billion (€2.68bn) in Ukraine as part of a new growth plan for the region.
It has unveiled plans to rapidly rebuild Ukraine's aviation industry once the Russian invasion ends, and flying to and from the country is declared safe by the EASA.
The company will base up to 30 new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft at Ukraine's three main airports, with flights set to take off within eight weeks of the re-opening of Ukraine airspace.
"This will see 600 weekly flights being operated by Ryanair aircraft from the main airports of Kyiv, Lviv and Odesa, connecting these cities to over 20 EU capitals," the airline said.
(L-R) Ryanair Group CEO Michael O'Leary, CEO of Boryspil Airport Oleksiy Dubrevskyy, Ryanair DAC CEO Eddie Wilson, & Ryanair CCO Jason McGuinnessRyanair plans to offer over five million seats to, from and within Ukraine in the first 12 months post-war - building to more than 10 million seats over a five-year period.
During a meeting in Kyiv, Ryanair held talks with the country's Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration, Oleksandr Kubrakov, and several aviation interest groups.
The company also inspected Boryspil international Airport, examining the condition of the airport terminals, baggage claim, passenger check-in and boarding gate areas.
Ryanair Group CEO Michael O'Leary (second right) in Kyiv, UkraineSpeaking in Kyiv, Ryanair Group CEO Michael O'Leary said he was inspired by the dedication of Boryspil Airport employees.
"Ryanair remains a committed partner in rebuilding and investing in Ukraine aviation," he said.
"Today we saw that in the most difficult conditions of war, the Boryspil airport team demonstrates its professionalism and is fully ready for the resumption of flights as soon as possible".
"Ryanair was Ukraine’s 2nd largest airline before the unlawful Russian invasion in February 2022.
"Once the skies over Ukraine have reopened for commercial aviation, Ryanair will charge back into Ukraine linking the main Ukraine airports with over 20 EU capitals, and we are working closely with the Ukrainian government to rebuild Ukraine’s aviation, industry and its economy".
Ryanair Group CEO Michael O'Leary, and Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration of Ukraine and Minister for Infrastructure, Oleksandr KubrakovBoryspil Airport CEO Oleksiy Dubrevskyy said this visit sends a strong message.
"The visit of Ryanair senior management to Boryspil Airport is a powerful signal that the largest airline in Europe sees huge potential in the Ukrainian air transport market," he said.
"We, meanwhile, are ready to move from strategic planning to specific operational actions when the airspace becomes open and safe for civil aviation.
"I strongly believe that Boryspil Airport will remain the main air gate for the return of our citizens to Ukraine and will continue to play a leading role in the recovery of the Ukrainian economy," he added.
The announcement follows a surprise visit by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar on Wednesday, who held talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
