Ryanair reported record profits of €408 million for the six months to the end of September, with a 20% increase in passenger numbers year on year to more than 26 million.
But chief executive Michael O’Leary reported a 1% fall in the yield per passenger due to rising costs outpacing the growth in income from ancillary sales, which now comprise 16% of the carrier’s revenue.
Ryanair’s income from car hire, hotels, travel insurance, onboard sales and baggage charges grew 54% year on year. O’Leary said the introduction of a £2 airport check-in charge, with free check-in online, had been “well received by passengers”.
The airline will add to this income next year, with O’Leary promising tests of an in-flight mobile phone service aboard 25 aircraft before the end of March -allowing passengers to make and receive calls in the air.
However, O’Leary warned analysts to expect a fall in year-on-year profits for the next three months and said the carrier’s outlook beyond the current financial year “remains cautious”.