News: Ryanair founder dies following long illness
Flights > News > # 1504 (04/10/2007)
Tony Ryan, the Irish entrepreneur who founded budget airline Ryanair, has died aged 71 after a long illness.
Dr Ryan launched Ryanair in 1985, having originally made his fortune through an aircraft leasing firm.
Dr Ryan hired Michael O'Leary, the firm's current boss, as his right-hand man - since when Ryanair has grown into one of Europe's largest carriers.
Mr O'Leary described his former colleague as an "extraordinary man" who would leave an "astonishing legacy".
In a statement, Dr Ryan's family said it was "proud of his many achievements" and "of his spirit of entrepreneurship which created enterprise and opportunity for many people in this country and abroad".
Ryanair said Dr Ryan had "pioneered" competition and low fares in the European air market.
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