Ryanair cuts summer 2020 growth outlook on Boeing Max grounding

Ryanair cut its traffic outlook by 1m passengers and said it will close two bases next summer as the grounding of Boeing’s 737 Max jetliner further frustrates expansion plans. Europe’s biggest low-cost airline now expects to attract 156mi customers next fiscal year, based on it getting 10 Max aircraft for summer 2020, or half the number previously projected. The shortfall will necessitate the closure of hubs in Nuremberg, Germany, and at Stockholm Skavsta airport, it said. “We are continuing to work with Boeing, our people, our unions and our affected airports to minimize these capacity cuts and job losses,” Eddie Wilson, CEO at the company’s main operating arm, said Wednesday. Ryanair is reining in growth as the Max remains grounded after two fatal crashes. While Boeing aims to get the model flying again this year, the Irish company is due to be the debut operator of a high-capacity version requiring additional certification even when the baseline plane has made its return.<br/>