Ryanair owners looking at opportunities in Argentina - report

The owners of Ryanair aim to bring budget air travel to Argentina in 2017, co-founder Declan Ryan told a local newspaper after meeting govt officials in the South American nation. La Nacion reported the move would likely come through an acquisition, and said Andes Líneas Aéreas is a target, citing anonymous sources. Ryanair is present in Mexico and Colombia through investments by its holding company Irelandia Aviation in other airlines. Irelandia Aviation said about US$50m was needed to start operations with an initial fleet of 5 aircraft, according to La Nacion. Ryan said he was optimistic about Argentine president Mauricio Macri's economic reforms but noted high inflation and corruption in the country were still concerns. <br/>