“The latest trading update from Ryanair, overlaying the final three months of 2021, was all the time more likely to present robust development on a year-on-year foundation given the comparative quarter noticed a few of the tightest Covid restrictions.
“Nevertheless, the numbers are not so good as they could have been had Omicron not intervened. Together with his typical tact Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary blamed ‘media hysteria’ concerning the new Covid variant for the affect on the enterprise.
“Ryanair, by no means normally recognized for its generosity to prospects with O’Leary as soon as suggesting folks must spend a pound to spend a penny on the provider’s planes, is being compelled to supply discounted tickets within the near-term to fill its flights.
“Nevertheless, the longer-term image for pricing might be extra beneficial for Ryanair given the capability which has come out of the market and sure pent-up demand for overseas journey over the summer season.
“Ryanair’s mannequin isn’t about nice customer support within the conventional sense however about low fares and getting folks the place they wish to go on time and that proposition has proved a profitable one over time.
“Ryanair has one of many strongest stability sheets within the business and this implies it is rather properly positioned for a full restoration within the aviation sector, with the means to spend money on new routes and probably even to swoop on ailing rivals. Notably, it has raised its 2026 annual passenger goal at this time.
“Within the quick time period, Ryanair is making no secret of the danger of additional Covid disruption to come back, with buyers no less than in a position to have some confidence it will probably steer a flight path via any turbulence.”
