Ryanair Web Check-In To Save Up To EUR40 Mln Annually

Irish low-cost carrier Ryanair expects to save EUR30 million - EUR40 million euros annually by eliminating check-in desks and making online check-in mandatory from October, chief executive Michael O'Leary said on Tuesday.

"It's one of our major initiatives to reduce costs," O'Leary told a news conference to announce the launch of a mobile phone service on board its Rome-based fleet.

"But it will also mean passengers spending much less time hanging around at airports."

Ryanair says 75 percent of the airline's passengers already check in online. Only unmanned check-in kiosks and drop off areas for bags at the airport will be maintained under the new system.

Separately, O'Leary said Ryanair was continuing discussions with Airbus and Boeing for a large aircraft order but that "neither has met our pricing objective" so far.

O'Leary has previously said Ryanair plans to order 200 planes for up to USD$7 billion, with delivery starting in 2013, and would pick the planemaker that offers the cheaper price despite the airline's historic relationship with Boeing.