We could not like Ryanair (and I don't like them), but we must confess that yes there is a big difference in FR and EI cost, even if we compare what is comparable ie. the EI short haul costs with FR network
Among plenty of examples:
- the cost per seat of the 738 (especially with 189 seats) is unbeatable.
- c.crew or HQ salaries are a lot lower in Ryanair (which explain why so many FR employees want to work for EI)
- secondary airports: Ryanair has plenty of reduction offered by secondry airports where nobody else want to go
- ratio PAX/employee a lot higher for Ryanair
etc