Ryanair today reported record traffic volumes and profits during the final three months of last year.
The carrier said it flew 1.9 million passengers during the last quarter of 2000 - up 39 per cent on the 1999 figure - and returned after-tax profits of £16.8 million - a 42 per cent rise.
Ryanair said the improvements were achieved during what was considered a weaker winter period of the year.
Chief executive Mr Michael O'Leary said the results confirmed another quarter of very strong growth and "demonstrate the strength and robust nature of Ryanair's low-fares formula".
He also said the airline's Ryanair.com website was now handling more than 65 per cent of all bookings.
Travel agency sales of Ryanair tickets were now down to 8 per cent and "still falling", he said.
PA