Ryanair sees 19 per cent passenger number rise

Europe’s largest no-frills airline, Ryanair, has reported a strong increase in passenger volumes for last month, even in the current economic slowdown and overall weakening in demand growth for air travel in Europe.

The carrier said that its passenger numbers increased by 19 per cent during August, as compared with August of last year, to 5.8 million, which is close to alignment with its increase in capacity that is coming about through new aircraft deliveries from Boeing.

For the preceding 12 months, Ryanair reports that it has flown 55.1 million passengers.

In August, the budget airline filled 90 per cent of available seats, making it the year’s busiest month. This number was slightly down from the 91 per cent figure reported for August of 2007, but is above the average load rate for the last 12 months, of 81 per cent.

The Irish airline has launched a price-reduction scheme to stimulate demand over the coming winter season, when the market is expected to weaken.

Ryanair’s profits dropped sharply for the months of April through June, its first fiscal quarter, and it warned that losses could continue throughout the year, meaning its first full-year loss in 11 years. The carrier cites the high cost of fuel and a decline in air fares as the reason.

At its main bases of operation at Dublin and Stansted airports, the airline is reducing capacity for the winter season, but it is anticipating that overall capacity will continue to increase.

www.ryanair.com