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DUBLIN, Ireland (AP) - Ryanair Holdings PLC said Tuesday it expects rival European airlines to trim their ticket prices in a challenge to the no-frills carrier, but reaffirmed its forecasts of continued strong growth and profit.
In an earnings update, Chief Executive Michael O'Leary said other airlines — which, unlike Ryanair, have added fuel surcharges to their tickets — will be "forced to lower their underlying fares to compete." But he said Ryanair remained "cautious but comfortable" with its previous profit forecast of 269 million euros for the fiscal year.
The airline said it carried 3,023,819 passengers in September, 27 percent higher than the same month in 2004, reflecting the expansion of Ryanair's route network. Passenger load — the number of seats filled — remained steady at 87 percent.
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