Michael O’Leary and Robin Hayes in conversation with aviation expert John Strickland
CEOs of low-cost carriers from both sides of the Atlantic will give updates on how they are adapting amid the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting downturn in international air travel, during two hour-long sessions at WTM Virtual.
As of 1 June 2020, 156 governments completely closed their borders to international tourism, and more than 9 out of 10 people in the world lived in countries that had cross-border travel restrictions in place.
This year, Airlines have had to drastically reduce and in some cases ground their fleets and cease their activities, with extreme impacts on the short-term on employees and dependant activities. IATA expects recovery in air travel to lag economic recovery, with no uptick before 2021.
Michael O’Leary, CEO of Ryanair Group, and Robin Hayes, CEO of US carrier JetBlue, will each take part in separate Aviation Updates with highly respected aviation expert John Strickland at WTM Virtual. This will be the first time that both CEO’s appeared at a WTM Q&A session.
As leader of Europe’s largest low-cost carrier – and never one to hold back on expressing his views – Michael O’Leary’s session is expected to be a lively, no-holds-barred interview.
Along with other airlines, Ryanair has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic and O’Leary has been vocal in his criticism of the way governments have handled its impact on the sector.
From a US perspective, Robin Hayes will explain how the airline has established a leading position in the USA, both in the domestic market out of its New York JFK and Boston bases, whilst increasing its international reach, including the Caribbean and Mexico.
In addition to expanding its activity on the west coast as it opens up Los Angeles as a base, the airline is also planning to expand to Europe, with particular emphasis on the corporate market, with its renowned lie-flat bed Mint business product.
WTM London’s Senior Director Simon Press said:
“This is the first time these two airline CEOs have appeared at WTM – and what they have to say has never been more important. They’ll be sharing insight into how low-cost carriers are adapting to the current pandemic situation, and will give their thoughts on what governments should be doing to help the airline industry.
“Michael O’Leary is a vibrant character, who never shies away from saying what he thinks. His perspective and directness will resonate with industry followers – now more than ever.
“JetBlue, meanwhile, has its eyes firmly set on Europe. It’s good to know that, despite the challenges of COVID-19, Robin Hayes and the team clearly view expansion to cities such as London and Paris as future growth markets.
“Both sessions are sure to draw attention to the ongoing debate, led by the man who knows the questions to ask – WTM’s airline expert John Strickland.”
The John Strickland Aviation Update with Ryanair Group CEO Michael O’Leary takes place on Tuesday, November 10, from 10:00-11:00 GMT at WTM Virtual.
The John Strickland Aviation Update with JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes takes place on Wednesday, November 11, from 14:00-15:00 GMT at WTM Virtual.
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