Ryanair (FR, Dublin International) has thrown its hat into the ring with the announcement by company deputy chief executive, Howard Miller, that Ryanair would bid to acquire 25 flybe. (2002) (Exeter) slots at London Gatwick. The Irish LCC joins easyJet (London Luton) and several other unnamed carriers competing for the lucrative slots. Confronted with soaring fuel costs, falling passenger numbers and higher airport duties, Flybe has adopted tough new cost cutting measures which, aside from the Gatwick slot sale, includes the axing of about 10% of its 3'000-strong UK workforce; a move aimed at saving USD50million (GBP35million).