TRAVEL: Ryanair to dish out €398m to shareholders

Low-cost operator Ryanair plans to distribute the €398mln in proceeds from the sale of its 29.8% stake in Aer Lingus, to its own shareholders via a ‘B’ Share programme which will be concluded, subject to EGM approval, before December, the annual general meeting in Dublin heard on Thursday.

The airline said this will bring the total funds returned by Ryanair to shareholders this year to €800 mln and in excess of €3.3 bln since 2008.
During the AGM, the airline also briefed shareholders on the continuing success of its “Always Getting Better” (AGB) customer experience programme, which has enabled Ryanair to raise its full year traffic forecast (previously 103 mln) to 104 mln customers, and its profit guidance by 25%, (previously €970 mln) to €1.2 bln.
Ryanair briefed shareholders on further AGB improvements later this year, including new primary airports in Amsterdam, Cologne, and Copenhagen, a new personalised website with advanced features (‘hold the fare’), an improved mobile app, new cabin interiors, crew uniforms and improved inflight menus.