Ryanair set for lift-off

ryANAIr has raised its long-term traffic forecast and outlined plans to create 5,000 jobs over the next five years.

the airline said it expects to fly 225m passengers a year by 2026 – up from an earlier target of 200m.

that compares with 149m the year before Covid struck and grounded planes worldwide. ryanair is also hiring 5,000 staff. roles will include pilots, cabin crew and engineers. the company announced at the start of the pandemic that it would lay off 3,000 workers due to the crisis.

But chief executive Michael o’Leary said the airline is in a better position and has been snapping up slots vacated by collapsed rivals due.