British Airways has won its battle with cabin crew who should throw in the towel, according to Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary.

“The union has lost the strike – 85% of BA flights are operating uninterrupted,” O’Leary said today. He revealed BA had not taken up an offer to lease aircraft and Ryanair had seen no surge in passengers from the strike-hit carrier.

“There is not much impact on bookings,” said the Ryanair chief executive. “We offered three aircraft to [BA boss] Willie Walsh and he has not needed them. BA is probably carrying most of its booked passengers.”

He added: “BA management has done a good job. A more intelligent union leadership would do a deal.”

O’Leary was speaking as Ryanair reported a tripling of profits to euro319 million (£280 million) and 14% rise in passengers for the year to the end of March. BA recently announced a record £531 million loss for the same period.

He said: “The BA model is broken. Its long-haul operation is brilliant. But on short haul flying, [an aircraft] is just a bus with wings. Business class will be gone in three years and most BA passengers will be on Ryanair and easyJet.”