Ryanair reports 16% jump in passenger numbers

Ryanair has reported a 16 per cent increase in passenger numbers for April.

The budget airline said it carried a total nine million passengers last month, up from 7.8 million in April last year.

Its load factor - how many seats are filled on each flight - also rose to 91 per cent from 84 per cent for the same month last year.

Ryanair's chief marketing officer Kenny Jacobs put the increase passenger numbers down to lower fares, better service and stronger forward bookings.

“Alongside our new routes, increased frequencies, business plus and family extra services, Ryanair customers can now look forward to further service enhancements, as we roll out year two of our Always Getting Better programme in 2015,” he said.

Mr Jacobs said the second part of the programme will include a new website, new app, new cabin interiors, new crew uniforms, improved inflight menus and reduced fees.