Ryanair reports first quarter profit rise of 4%

Ryanair on July 25 reported a 4% rise in Q1 profit to €256m, as traffic grew 11% to 31m. Average fare fell 10% to €39.92, offset by a 9% reduction in unit costs. “This modest 4% increase in Q1 profit to €256m is in line with previous guidance. The absence of Easter in Q1 and on-going market volatility arising from terrorist events, and repeated ATC strikes (particularly in France) weakened fares on close-in bookings and caused almost 1,000 flight cancellations. We remain committed to our load factor active/yield passive strategy which is why Q1 fares fell 10% to under €40. Traffic rose 11% and load factor improved 2 points to 94% as our Always Getting Better (“AGB”) customer experience programme continues to win new customers and new markets. Ancillary sales rose to 26% of revenues (24% in PY Q1). Cost control remains core which is why unit costs reduced 9% (ex-fuel down 4%).