"Ryanair Lowers Profit Forecast as Online Travel Agents Halt Sales"
Ryanair has trimmed its profit forecast for the year due to a sudden halt in sales by online travel agents, resulting in increased empty seats on flights and lower-than-anticipated fares over the Christmas and New Year period. The company now expects an after-tax profit of 1.85-1.95 billion euros, down from its previous forecast, but still a potential record. CEO Michael O'Leary expressed some optimism for the summer, citing constrained European short-haul capacity and potential for higher ticket prices, while also reaffirming the company's commitment to increasing passenger numbers and considering expanding its aircraft order from Boeing.