Ryanair has reported record post-tax profits for the three months to the end of December, up 30% year on year to Є48 million.
The profits increase slightly lagged behind a 33% rise in turnover for the quarter to Є493 million.
The rise in passenger numbers to 10.3 million also did not quite match the 21% expansion in seat capacity year on year.
However, chief executive Michael O’Leary reported a 7% increase in yield per seat and a 61% increase in ancillary revenues from passengers. This includes a sharp boost from charges for checking in hold baggage, introduced last March.
Announcing the results, O’Leary again dismissed concern about aviation’s contribution to climate change as “hysteria” and attacked the Government’s doubling of air passenger duty. He said APD now adds 35% to the average, one-way Ryanair fare of £28.
O’Leary revealed the carrier will announce its 19th base, in continental Europe, this month.
The airline expects to record annual profits of Є390 million, up 29% on 2005/2006.