2nd Dec 2022 16:22
(Alliance News) - Ryanair Holdings PLC and Wizz Air Holdings PLC on Friday celebrated an increased uptake in passengers over the past month, as the budget airlines prepare for a holiday period free of travel restrictions for the first time in three years.
The chief executives of both companies said they were prepared to see strong bookings over the next few months, following a rise in passenger numbers in November.
Ryanair carried 11.2 million passengers during the past month, up 9.8% from 10.2 million a year ago, and up 2.8% from 10.9 million in November 2019.
Load factor increased to 92%, surpassing last year's recorded 87%, but failing to beat the pre-pandemic figures of 2019, when load factor for November was reported at 96%.
Alexander Paterson of Peel Hunt noted the increase in passengers, but said that the figures were "slightly below" the 11.6 million the firm was expecting.
Similarly, Wizz Air performed well over November, but slightly below analyst expectations.
The airline flew 3.7 million passengers over the course of the month, up 70% from 2.2 million last year, and 24% higher than 3.0 million in November 2019. Its load factor also grew annually, up to 88% from 76% a year ago, but below 93% from three years ago.
Paterson once again noted that while seat capacity at Wizz Air was in line with Peel Hunt's estimates, "passenger volumes were slightly below the 3.8 million" expected, because of a lower load factor.
During the period, the Budapest-based airline also signed a memorandum of understanding with Vienna-based OMV AG, for the supply of up to 185,000 metric tonnes of sustainable aviation fuel between 2023 and 2030.
Similarly, the company expanded its Larnaca base in Cyprus, allocating two more A321Neos from Airbus SE and growing its base to a total of four aircraft.
Ryanair shares were down 1.6% at EUR13.00 each on Friday, while Wizz Air shares were up 2.7% to 2,361.00 pence each.
By Holly Beveridge; [email protected]
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