Ryanair Rattling Sabres in Shannon

The future of Irish budget airline Ryanair's Shannon base (and possibly connections) seems to be in question - CEO Michael O'Leary recently pinpointed the airport as one of two bases at which his company is actually losing money. The current deal with Shannon Airport runs until 2010. Ryanair uses the West Ireland airport as a base and as a target for 31 routes. These routes are, however, highly dependent on tourism into Ireland from mainland Europe - 78% of passengers fit into this category.

Never one to mince his words, O'Leary boldly declared that Ryanair is only surviving at Shannon by living off "sandwich sales and baggage charges". Which immediately sparked the thought that with Ryanair's prices and charges (as compared to the actual net cost of a seat) this must be a comfortable income ...