Like them or hate them and there are many people in both camps, there are a lot of customers using budget airline Ryan Air, some 48 million of them in fact.

RA have just posted profits of Euro 596 million for the first 6 months trading of 2012, up by 10% with an increased customer base, looking for the lowest fare and prepared to put up with basic travelling conditions, out of the way airports and a plethora of add ons to the advertised fare.

These excellent trading results have come at a time when fuel costs have been going through the roof and various Governments in the European region have raised taxes directly effecting the airline industry. 

They currently have a bid on the table for Aer Lingus which requires approval ffrom EU regulators before it can go ahead, expected by early February at the latest.