(AFP) Ryanair fell into an expected loss during its third quarter as lower fares and an unfavourable exchange-rate offset rising passenger numbers, the Irish no-frills airline said on Monday.

The airline reported a loss after tax of 35.2 million euros ($47.5 million) in the three months to the end of December. That contrasted with net profit of 18.1 million euros in the same period a year earlier.

“Our third-quarter loss of 35 million euros is in line with previous guidance and is entirely due to a 9.0-percent fall in average fares and weaker sterling” against the euro, Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary said in the group’s earnings statement.

Ryanair’s share price however jumped as the Dublin-based carrier said it did not expect full-year net profit to come in any lower than 500-520 million euros — an estimate made last November in a shock profit warning.

It had previously forecast earnings at the lower end of a 570-600 million euros range.

Ryanair is meanwhile seeking to soften its much-criticised public image of being a company that is lacking in good customer service.

It recently simplified its online booking process and launched a new homepage after customers regularly complained about the confusing and long procedure.

SOURCE AFP