Ryanair first launched in Liverpool with just one destination

Nearly four decades ago crowds gathered at Speke Airport, now Liverpool John Lennon Airport, to witness the arrival of an airline that would go on to change the way millions of people travelled to and from our city. On Thursday, May 26, 1988, Ryanair's inaugural BAC One-Eleven touched down at Speke, launching the airline's first cut-price route between Liverpool and Dublin. With an introductory return fare of just £49, compared with the previous fare of £104, the new service marked the beginning of low-cost air travel from the city. The landmark arrival was given a warm Merseyside welcome. Three Merseyside mayors, airport executives, and the Fianna Phadraig Pipe Band, who, despite their name, hailed from Manchester, greeted passengers as they stepped off the aircraft. Comedian Mike Harding