Ryanair has cause to celebrate its after announcing a 20% increase in passengers in December, with 6.02 million people flying with the airline.
Seat occupancy rose to 88% from 81% a year earlier.
Ryanair used to ground many of its planes during the winter season, but this year it has been able to fly more often than in past winters.
The announcement caused a 3% leap in share price, a record high of €10.04 (£7.84). Share price has gone up by 58% in the last year.
The budget carrier says that lower fares and improved customer service were behind the increased head count on board.
The airline now seems less inclined to punish people for choosing to fly with it and has dropped a number of unpopular practices. Its website now contains fewer pitfalls, allocated seats are available (at a price) while punitive charges have been scrapped.
In the year to December, Ryanair’s customer numbers rose 6% to 86.4 million customers.
Last month, the carrier said it expects profits after tax this year to be between €810m and €830m (£636m-£655m).
