Ryanair share price rises as passenger numbers soar to a record high
Outspoken Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary stayed resolutely quiet this morning as the budget airline announced record monthly traffic.
Passenger numbers grew four per cent, from 9 million in August 2013 to 9.4 million in the same month this year, pushing shares up 1.35 per cent in early trading.
Marketing manager Kenny Jacobs put the rise down to "improving customer service", including a less complex website, allocated seating, extra hand luggage allowance and "new family and business products". The measures were part of a PR drive that also included a decision by O'Leary, known for his abrasive style, to stay out of the limelight.
But economic circumstances may also be a factor. Recovery is going slowly in European economies, suggesting businesses are keen to keep their costs down.
Perhaps Ryanair's new £59.99 "business class" option will prove more of a hit than we expected…