Airline ups forecast again after 21% profit rise

Ryanair has increased its full-year profit guidance for the second time in nearly as many months, on the back of a strong set of third-quarter figures.

The airline yesterday reported after-tax profits of €18.1m for the three months to the end of December, representing a better-than-expected 21% year-on-year rise.

Like-for-like basic earnings per share were up 23% to 1.25c while revenue for the period was up 15% on an annualised basis to €969m.