Ryanair today (5 Nov) announced record half-year profits after tax to grow by 24% to ”408m.
The airline”s traffic grew by 20% to 26.6m passengers and yields fell by 1% as revenues rose by 24% to ”1.5bn.
”These record profits reflect a 20% growth in passenger volumes, a 1% decline in yields, and strong ancillary growth.” said Ryanair CEO, Michael O”Leary.
Ancillary revenues grew by 54% to ”252m, due to improved penetration from car hire, hotels and travel insurance, as well as strong onboard sales and excess baggage revenues.”
The airline”s load factor also increased by 2% from an October 2006 level of 83% to 85% today.
Ryanair says it has performed well during the summer and will start more than 130 new routes across Europe.
The carrier also says it will trial its inflight mobile phone service on 25 aircraft before the end of March next year, which will allow passengers to make and receive calls and texts on mobiles and blackberries.