Low-cost carrier Ryanair’s cutting of routes will present opportunities and vacancies for its rivals, according to recruiters.

Last week, Ryanair announced that 600 jobs will be shed at Manchester airport pulling nine of its 10 routes from the city, while Jet2.com announced three routes out of Manchester for summer 2010, creating 250 new jobs.

Ian Brooks, director at Gail Kenny Executive Search, told Recruiter: “Human beings are creatures of habit, and customers form habits that they tend to stick with. During the recession air travellers have learnt to adjust their travel patterns to find low-cost options and this has now become the norm.

“Therefore as we come out of recession these habits are likely to remain entrenched, and that means that the low-cost carriers (LCCs) will be the ones in the strongest position. Those with a passion for customer service and those which continue to innovate will succeed the most.

“Throughout the past year, which has generally been challenging for the aviation sector, we have recruited some talented people for a variety of newly created management roles at Jet2.com, which continues to grow its flight business as well as its burgeoning tour operation.

“Outside of the LCC sector of the market, those with established positions at key hubs such as Heathrow should prosper as the business market picks up again. There are some good news stories coming out of the City, with investment banks starting to prosper again, which is very good news for the premium traffic.”  

Nina Johnson-Bennett, managing director at Management Search Executive (MSE), adds: “From Ryanair’s point of view, I think they have acted too hastily with flights they have cut.

“They have opened the market for other people to come in. Where other companies have had a tough time trying to get the routes, they have let them in.

“That will also help any job losses that Ryanair is creating if they are filled by other carriers.”