Higher fares and baggage charges helped Ryanair offset a 52% increase fuel charges and grow its net profits by 30% in the third quarter.
Average fares, including the new baggage charges introduced in March, rose 7%, allowing the airline to achieve net profit of €48m (£31.6m) in the three months to December 31.
Meanwhile, passenger numbers grew to 10.3 million, 19% higher than the same three months in 2005.
To reflect the latest growth, Ryanair has revised its full-year forecast to €390m (£257m), claiming that fourth-quarter earnings will benefit from weaker oil prices and a 25% jump in passenger numbers .
By Bev Fearis
