eu01 - the recession has been good for Ryanair. Many of the smaller carriers have now gone bankrupt, meaning Ryanair has been able to be much more assertive to airports, staff and customers in getting what the company wants.
I disagree to some extend with racedo on disposable cash not being around. It *is* still around, but has become more selective compared to the boom times of 2007. Filling a 737 to a Spanish beach in July is not a problem - but in November many routes become much tougher.