Ryanair shares rise as airline raises outlook

DUBLIN (AP) — Ryanair says it plans to carry an extra 1 million passengers this year and has raised its profits outlook on the back of wide-ranging service improvements that have boosted sales and filled more aircraft.

The Dublin-based carrier told its annual general meeting Thursday that it plans to carry 87 million passengers in this fiscal year, better than its previous forecast of 86 million, and record net profits at or close to 650 million euros ($825 million), the top of its previously guided range.

Ryanair led the Irish Stock Exchange higher. Its shares rose as much as 4.2 percent in early trade before settling at 7.46 euros ($9.49), up 2.2 percent.

The airline this year has introduced flexible and family-friendly tickets, smoother online booking, easier baggage rules, and automatically assigned seats.