BUDGET AIRLINE Ryanair is preparing to launch transatlantic flights for just €10 by buying cheap aircraft from struggling rivals. Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary will outline his plan for transatlantic expansion today as he announces the company's half-year results.

"Economy class will be very cheap - around €10. But our business class will be very expensive. There's always 10-15 per cent who'll pay whatever it costs for a wide seat," he said.

The €10 flights, which could begin by the end of next year, would be available for those booking early. Passengers would pay airport taxes on top of the fares. Mr O'Leary is expected to announce plans to buy more than 50 aircraft as part of his vision to help Ryanair beat the recession.

"We'll just have to keep flying more aircraft, opening up more routes and offering people more cheap flights," he said.

The transatlantic flights are likely to go from Dublin and Stansted airports to New York, Florida, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Boston. Industry sources told The Irish Timeslast week that Ryanair executives had also had talks with Sacramento International Airport.

The airline has benefited from the deflation in oil prices. - (PA)