Ryanair gets springtime passenger lift of 11%

Budget airline Ryanair yesterday said that passenger traffic in May ascended 11 per cent to 11.8 million customers, with its key load factor – passenger seats filled – up 1 per cent to 95 per cent.

The latest customer figure compared with 10.6 million in May 2016. Kenny Jacobs, Ryanair’s chief marketing officer, said the latest gains came “on the back of lower fares” and the continuing success of its improved customer experience programme.

The Irish carrier reduced fares by 13 per cent on average over its most recent financial year, and has said that it expects to reduce them by a further 5 to 7 per cent due to the weak pound and as it passes on lower fuel costs.