Ryanair released its traffic statistics on Thursday. It reported a 12% growth in its December traffic to 10.3 million customers.
The low-cost airline said that it operated over 57,000 scheduled flights in December, with more than 81% landing on time.
December’s 10.3 million flyers is a 12% growth compared to December 2017.
The figures also included 0.3 million customers from Austrian low-cost airline Laudamotion. Ryanair acquired Laudamotion last year. Indeed, in March last year, the low-cost airline reported that it had acquired a 75% stake of the airline owned by Niki Lauda. This was its first acquisition in 15 years. The company said it would invest €100 million in Austria’s Laudamotion, which it would assist in developing as another low-cost airline.
Ryanair also reported a load factor of 95%.
Last year saw some chaotic changes for the airline’s passengers as confusion was caused over its second baggage rule change in 2018. The airline dramatically reduced the free luggage passengers could take on board. Under the previous rule, passengers were permitted one large and one small cabin bag to take on board with them through security. This rule changed to a baggage allowance of a ‘medium’ sized bag. Passengers were given, however, some leeway of 25% bigger than the new maximum dimensions.
In addition, the airline decided to not alter its plans to close its base in the Netherlands. This decision was taken in spite of a court order blocking the company from relocating crew against their will. Since August, two staged walkouts took place in Portugal, Germany, Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands. It also announced the anticipated closure of two crew bases in Germany.
In July, the airline gave a 90-day notice to over 300 pilots and cabin crew members in Dublin. It also revealed the anticipated closure of two crew basis in Germany.
At 08:40 GMT, shares in Ryanair Holdings plc (LON:RYA) were trading at +0.9%.
