Ryanair reveals record passenger levels

The low-cost carrier Ryanair today announced record passenger levels as it posted improved profits for the first half this financial year.

The Irish airline carried 7.84 million passengers in the six months ending September 30, 2002 - up 37 per cent on the same period last year.

After-tax profits for the April-September 2002 period rose 71 per cent to a new record of 150.9 million euros (about £96.1 million).

"Traffic and revenue growth has been remarkably strong across all markets," said Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary.