Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary Sam Boal/RollingNews.ie

Ryanair has just announced MASSIVE full year profits

The company reported €1.24 billion in profits at the end of March.

RYANAIR’S SEEMINGLY ENDLESS stream of good results has turned up another bumper set of figures for the end of the UK financial year – with the airline reporting a 43% jump in full year profits.

The airline reported a profit of €1.24 billion to the end of March, up from €867 million during 2015.

This saw the airline carry more than 106 million passengers in the year, following on from news in January that Ryanair had become the first airline to break the 100 million mark for passengers flown in a calendar year.

The rise and rise of the budget airline has also seen boosts in a number of other key areas, with its revenue increasing from €5.65 billion up to €6.53 billion, and a 48% increase on the amount earned on each of its shares.

The airline’s load factor – the percentage of seats filled per flight – also rose by 5% up to 93%.

So why all this success? 

Back in 2014, Ryanair made a commitment to improve its customer service record, and since then its nice-over has been reaping results.

Speaking about its Always Getting Better (AGB) programme, CEO of the company Michael O’Leary said:

Our AGB service programme is attracting millions of new customers to our lowest fare/ lowest cost model.

Ryanair – at one time much maligned for its poor customer service – has made changes in a number of areas.

To try and boost customer services interiors of its aircrafts have been refitted, its website and mobile app have been overhauled and the selection of primary airports on offers has been increased.

This has seen the airline expand into new bases in Belfast, Berlin, Corfu, Gothenburg, Ibiza, Milan (Malpensa) and Santiago.

Northern Ireland air taxes Rui Vieira / PA Wire Rui Vieira / PA Wire / PA Wire

Plain sailing? 

While it would be hard for the company to be pessimistic after such a bumper set of figures, there could be a few storm clouds on the horizon.

In a statement the company has said that it expects there to be a drop in fares over the coming year, with an Easter holiday not falling in the coming financial year and Ryanair’s competitors availing of lower oil prices.

Terrorist attacks and strikes by air-traffic controllers (which have mostly taken place in France) are also things that the airline expect to hit its profits next year.

Read: Ryanair hits back at survey that says it has the worst customer service

Also: Ryanair has become the first airline to fly 100 million passengers in one year

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Author
Michael Sheils McNamee
View 69 comments
Close
69 Comments
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds