25 September, 2008: Low cost flights from three UK airports to New York are under consideration as Ryanair considers setting up a transatlantic off-shoot.
The Irish budget carrier believes the turmoil in the sector which has led to multiple airline casualties following soaring fuel prices strengthens its hand in winning European approval in its bid for Aer Lingus.
If successful, Ryanair would use some of the 15 long haul aircraft the Irish flag carrier has on order for the new low cost transatlantic service, telegraph.co.uk reported.
The new arm is also to negotiate with leasing companies about the potential for acquiring new generation Boeing 787 Dreamliners.
Routes to New York from Stansted, Prestwick and Birmingham have been identified as part of the plans.
The strategy was described as being at an advanced stage, although it could take a few years before the new carrier takes off.
Ryanair first raised the prospect of running low fare flights across the North Atlantic more than a year ago.
Since then the industry has seen the demise of business class transatlantic carriers Eos, MAXjet and Silverjet together with budget airline Zoom.
Ryanair deputy chief executive Howard Millar was quoted as saying: "I think the whole European agenda has changed.
"The industry is in a rapid period of change. Smaller carriers will not survive as Europe moves towards resession."
