WizzAir plots route to growth as CEO eyes £100m bonus

WizzAir plots route to growth as CEO eyes £100m bonus

Asked in 2003 why he had not taken Ryanair into central and eastern Europe, Michael O’Leary, the airline’s chief executive, was emphatic.

Mr O'Leary, one of the most driven and competitive of CEOs in any industry, told the Wall Street Journal: "Our model just can't be slapped down in Central and Eastern Europe at this point."

At that very moment, though, someone was planning to prove him wrong.