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Thu, Sep 09, 2010

Ryanair's O'Leary: Co-Pilot Is Not Always Necessary

"Let The Bloody Computer Fly It," He Says

The latest "cost-savings" idea from Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary would replace the second pilot on some of its airliners with a computer.

This from the airline executive who has proposed pay lavatories and standing "seats" on its flights.

Still, O'Leary told Bloomberg Businessweek that the co-pilot is not necessary on every flight. He suggested letting the "bloody computer fly it," and said that a flight attendant could be trained to help land the plane if that idea doesn't work out so well. "She could take over" in the event of an emergency, he said.

CNN reports that O'Leary also went back to his idea of the "vertical seats", which would have passengers strapped to upright supports with small seats on them. Most analysts have dismissed that idea as one that would never get past government safety regulators.

Of course, the larger question is how many of O'Leary's sometimes outrageous ideas are things he actually believes, and how many he's dreamed up to stay in the media spotlight.

FMI: www.ryanair.com

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