Ryanair becomes first airline to fly more than 10 million international passengers in a month

Ireland's Ryanair has become the first airline to carry more than 10 million international passengers in one month.

Europe's largest airline this morning revealed that it flew 10.1 million customers in July, an 11% increase on the number it took last year.

The budget carrier said that the figure was more than the number Aer Lingus - which is being taken over by British Airways owner IAG - flew in the whole of 2014.

Its load factor - a measure of how full it's planes are - climbed up 4% to reach 95%.

Ryanair, which is led by Michael O'Leary, attributed the growth to a recent charm offensive.

The airline has tried to overturn its reputation for poor customer service by scrapping some customer fees and allowing passengers a free second carry-on bag as part of its "Always Getting Better Programme".

The company said customers can look forward to more service enhancements such as a new website, revamped aircraft cabins and improved in-flight menus from the autumn, when the scheme enters its second year.

Passengers can also expect fares to fall across the industry, as a Ryanair-led price war takes shape.

Ryanair has pledged to lower ticket costs by 8%.