Ryanair is the world's favourite airline

Low-cost airline Ryanair beat all other airlines around the globe to remain the world's most popular airline for international travellers.

The Irish airline carried 86.3 million international passengers last year and will carry more than 100 million customers in 2015.

easyJet was named the second favourite airline in the world, carrying 56.3 million passengers last year, followed by Lufthansa (48.2 million), Emirates (47.2 million) and British Airways (35.3 million).

After IATA's latest World Airline Transport Statistics confirmed Ryanair as the world favourite, the airline celebrated by releasing 100,000 seats for sale across its European network from just €19.99 for travel in July and August.

Ryanair's Robin Kiely said: "IATA has once again confirmed that Ryanair remains the world's favourite airline, carrying more international scheduled customers than any other carrier.

"Alongside our new routes, increased frequencies, Business Plus and Family Extra services, Ryanair customers can now look forward to further service enhancements, as we roll out Year 2 of our Always Getting Better programme in 2015."

He added: "This will include a new website, new app, new cabin interiors, new crew uniforms, improved inflight menus, reduced fees, and great new digital features such as 'hold the fare' and price comparison services, as Ryanair continues to deliver so much more than just the lowest fares for our 100m annual customers."