Former Lithuanian transportation minister E.Masiulis recounts how a chance meeting with Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary helped secure the airline's entry into Lithuania after the bankruptcy of the national carrier FlyLAL.
In his newly released book "Baltas apykakles prasegus," former Lithuanian Minister of Transport E.Masiulis discusses the challenges he faced during the early days of the Andrius Kubilius government, particularly in addressing the fallout from the 2009 bankruptcy of the national airline FlyLAL. This event left a significant gap in the Lithuanian aviation market and prompted urgent measures from the government to attract new airlines. One of their strategies involved reducing airport fees to make Lithuania a more appealing destination for low-cost carriers.
E.Masiulis vividly recalls a pivotal meeting with Michael O'Leary, the outspoken and unconventional CEO of Ryanair. O'Leary is known for his bold business moves and direct communication style, and his willingness to negotiate drastically altered the trajectory of Lithuanian air travel. The initial discussions took place against a backdrop of crisis management, where the government was keenly aware of the pressing need to reinstate affordable flight options for Lithuanian citizens after losing their national carrier.
The decision to engage Ryanair and other low-cost airlines proved to be a turning point for the Lithuanian aviation industry. Masiulis' account underscores the importance of decisive leadership and innovative thinking in overcoming systemic challenges. The successful entry of Ryanair into Lithuania not only boosted tourism but also provided more travel choices for citizens, illustrating how strategic partnerships can lead to significant economic benefits for a nation in transition.
