A discussion about the airline industry, airline employees, and all things related

Ryanair founder and for whom the airline is named after has passed away at the age of 71.  Tony Ryan, the founder of the largest low cost/ no frills airline in Europe passed away after a long illness. 

Michael O'Leary, the protégé of Ryan, said that he had left an astonishing legacy. 

Sir Anthony O'Reilly, who heads Independent News & Media PLC said, "He changed the skies of Europe, not just for the Irish people, but indeed for all Europeans. That will be his epitaph. It could not be more appropriate.” 

Today Ryanair has become the third largest airline in Europe due in part of its rapid expansion after deregulation in 1997.  Ryanair offers 512 routes serving 26 countries carrying over 42 million passengers.

MSNBC.com