Or to put it another way, how big an impact would an additional but slightly smaller aircraft really make to Ryanair ?
My assumption was based on using a smaller type to cover thinner routes and get in and out of smaller airports. I was essentially talking about the Flybe fleet with Ryanair's route network and business model.
I guess a smaller 737 family frame would be a half way house between these two options.
Either way, my understanding is that these options are evaluated all the time, and that the gains they would offer are not sufficient to justify the expense of fleet modification. Now knowing MOLs bargaining ability, would now be the time to snap up a deal on some cheap Sukhois - or is that a bargain too far?