Any plans for Ryanair to start a transatlantic service is still four or five years away, says the airline's chief executive Michael O'Leary.

According to the IrishTimes, O'Leary told reporters in Dublin that there have been talks with airports about starting such a service but at this moment, the plan is still speculative.

It all depends on getting the planes at the right price, he added.

O'Leary also said there's "not a chance" of the budget airline teaming with the Irish government for a joint sale of their stakes in Aer Lingus.