(Corrects Ryanair's load factor for November 2019.)

(Alliance News) - Ryanair Holdings PLC and Wizz Air Holdings PLC on Friday reported that they carried more passengers in November than during pre-pandemic November three years ago.

Ryanair carried 11.2 million passengers during the past month, up 9.8% from 10.2 million a year ago and up 2.8% from 10.9 million in November 2019. The load factor increased to 92%, beating last year's 87%, but stayed below November 2019's load factor of 96%.

Wizz Air flew 3.7 million passengers in November, up 70% from 2.2 million a year ago and 24% higher than 3.0 million in November 2019. Wizz Air's load factor also grew annually, to 88% from 76% a year ago, but stayed below 93% three years ago. Its capacity rose 47% to 4.2 million seats, from 2.9 million seats, while beating November 2019's 3.2 million seats by 30%.

The Budapest-based airline said it signed a memorandum of understanding with Vienna-based OMV AG, for the supply of up to 185,000 metric tonnes of sustainable aviation fuel between 2023 and 2030.

Wizz also expanded its Larnaca base in Cyprus as it allocated two more A321Neos from Airbus SE to grow the base to a total of four aircraft, which will operate 32 routes in 18 countries.

Ryanair shares were down 1.5% at EUR13.01 each on Friday morning, while Wizz Air shares were down 1.3% to 2,270.00p each.

By Tom Budszus; tombudszus@alliancenews.com

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