Ryanair profits up by 39%

Ryanair’s profits rose by 39% in the six months up to September 30, according to figures released today.

The airline’s after-tax profits also increased to €88m, while passenger numbers rose by 37%.

Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary said these figures show the company has survived the foot-and-mouth scare and is overcoming the difficulties caused by the September 11 attacks in the US.

During the six months, Ryanair opened six routes from London Stansted, began services between Dublin and Edinburgh and opened the hub at Brussels Charleroi.

It now operates 56 low fare routes across 12 countries with a fleet of 36 Boeing 737s.