Ryanair will consider a flotation on the London stockmarket next year once it has secured more European routes out of London, according to chief executive, Mr Michael O'Leary.

The airline is already listed on the New York NASDAQ exchange and on the Dublin market, and would consider a listing on the London market as an "obvious extension", he said yesterday.

The airline is also in discussion with US Continental Airlines about a possible sales link-up between the two companies. Continental yesterday announced plans to fly from Newark, New Jersey, to Shannon and Dublin and is expected to reach agreement with Ryanair where both companies will be able to offer combined fares to passengers flying between the US and Europe.

Ryanair's chairman, Mr David Bonderman, has a major stake in Continental and Ryanair. But Mr O'Leary has stressed that the impetus for any link-up between the two companies is purely commercial, with both looking to see whether there is an opportunity that will be mutually profitable. Ryanair did not need a strategic partner and was focused on expanding its presence in Europe, he said.

Ryanair yesterday announced its largest ever winter flight schedule, adding more flights and lower fares on its European routes. From next month Ryanair is increasing its flights between Dublin and Brussels to three a day and will maintain three daily flights on the Dublin to Paris route, while adding more flights from Dublin to London and from Knock to Stansted. The airline has introduced a one-way airfare of £19 on its London, Brussels and Paris routes, which will be offered on 100,000 seats during the winter season. Ryanair's chief financial officer, Mr Michael Cawley, said the new schedule represents a 40 per cent increase in its capacity. But Mr O'Leary said the company would add more routes out of London over the next year.