The founder of budget airline Ryanair has died after a long illness.
Irish entrepreneur Tony Ryan died yesterday afternoon at the age of 71.
Dr Ryan founded Ryanair 23 years ago, having previously run a successful aircraft leasing firm.
He built the airline from a small loss-making business which carried passengers between the UK and Ireland and lived to see it become one of Europe's largest carriers.
In a statement yesterday Ryanair claimed that Dr Ryan had "transformed the lives of millions" by pioneering competition and low-fare air travel within Europe.
Paying tribute to the airline's founder, Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary said: "Tony Ryan was one of the greatest Irishmen of the 20th century.
"It was a privilege to work for him and to learn from him. I will miss his guidance, encouragement and friendship.
"We are all determined that Ryanair will continue to carry his name with pride and distinction," Mr O'Leary added.
Born in County Tipperary, the son of a railwayman, Dr Ryan began building his fortune with the establishment of aircraft leasing firm Guinness Peat Aviation (GPA) in 1975.
Since co-founding Ryanair in 1985, he is estimated to have amassed a family fortune of more than €1.2 billion (£832 million). As well as making other airline investments Dr Ryan also invested in the wine and bloodstock industries.
Commenting on his death Irish prime minister Bertie Ahern said: "Dr Ryan's contribution to the development of aviation in Ireland and indeed globally is immense."
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