RYANAIR has announced profits of E239.4m whilst carrying 15.7m passengers, or a net figure of E15.2 or about ”10 per passenger. Since some passengers pay more in taxes it is a pretty remarkable figure. The profit represents 28% of total revenue. Whilst originating passenger numbers from the UK, which represents over 50% of its business, are beginning to taper off there is clearly going to be a growing demand from the continent as use of the Internet continues to develop. However some of the airlines tactics, in particular as to airports, are coming under more scrutiny both from authorities and other operators. The Irish carrier, whose main base it at Stansted, achieved its impressive results despite a fall in average fares but warned that it is unlikely to be able to sustain the present exceptional rate of growth. Once again no dividend was posted. http://www.ryanair.com