LOW fares airline Ryanair has said it expects a downturn in the economy to be good for its business - and has announced 25,000 free seats for travel from this month until December from
Bournemouth Airport.
The free flights are part of a one million free seats' scheme nationally, and are available until midnight tonight through the company's website, with no additional taxes and charges.
Ryanair believes that in a tougher economic climate, customers will trade down to them from other more expensive carriers.
Director of personnel and in-flight Eddie Wilson said the company was financially secure, and was the market leader for the lowest fares in Europe, was number one for coverage, had the fewest cancellations and the lowest number of lost bags.
"As Wizz Air pull out of Bournemouth completely and Easyjet reduce their network, Ryanair's commitment at Bournemouth is stronger than ever," he told a press conference.
"Not only will our Wroclaw route continue, our Paris Beauvais and Milan Bergamo routes will commence at the end of October, and our new ski route to Turin will commence at the end of December.
"Ryanair is committed to delivering the lowest fares guaranteed and no fuel surcharges ever on all its routes."
Mr Wilson said the company would do "whatever it takes" to stimulate passenger numbers.
It also aims to double aircraft numbers over the next five years.
The news was announced at a time when the company has told 400 pilots and cabin crew to take one week of unpaid leave this year as they cut back flights from Stansted and Dublin.
Chief executive Michael O'Leary also announced the airline's executives would have a pay cut of at least 10 percent, and 15 aircraft will be parked at Stansted and five at Dublin this winter.
The company is looking to create a new carrier to offer discount transatlantic flights as low as £10 from the UK to America.
Spokesman Stephen McNamara said it was currently reviewing all UK operations' bases.