EasyJet is in a lot stronger position now because it seized opportunities at Gatwick and on the continent. If it had just consolidated at bases like Luton and Stansted it would be facing more competition and earning less. If more money were to be returned to shareholders Stelios would probably waste it on a failed venture. Ryanair to double is the usual O'Leary hot-air. He can't fill the planes he's got already.
Easyjet full year results expected to be between £200-230 Million (their guidance) on 54.5 Million passengers (Actual pax numbers) or roughly £4 per passenger
Ryanair full year results expected to be around £400 million (their guidance) on passenger number on roughly 79 million passengers or roughly £5 per passenger.
Easyjet fares are roughly £11 (26%) per passenger more than Ryanair yet they still make less.