If Ryanair’s share price continues to rise, top executive Michael O’Leary could land a bonus of as much as 100 million euros. That reports the British business newspaper Financial Times, based on a 2019 bonus plan for the Irishman.

If Ryanair’s shares maintain a price of 21 euros for 28 consecutive days, then the super bonus is a reality. The Irish airline’s shares have already risen more than 50% in value over the past year but have not yet reached that mark.

Two assets

The payout to O’Leary, whose contract was extended a year ago until 2028, would follow in the form of options to buy 10 million shares at 11,12 euros each. Of course, if the stock rose above 21 euros, O’Leary would cash another more lucrative bonus.

Analysts expect Ryanair shares, currently standing at 18,70 euros, to continue to rise, reports news agency Bloomberg based on analysis. On average, with a price target of 24,10 euros for the next twelve months.

Another way for the now 62-year-old O’Leary to bag his bonus is if Ryanair posts an annual profit of 2,2 billion euros after taxes. In November, the airline reported assuming a profit between 1,85 billion euros and 2,05 billion euros.

Most valuable airline worldwide

O’Leary, at the head of Ryanair since 1994, has an annual salary of about 500 000 euros. He also owns 3,4% of Ryanair. Since he ran the company, it has grown from a small airline (with flights between Ireland and London) to Europe’s largest carrier and the reference in terms of low-cost airlines.

Companies Market Cap shows Ryanair is the most valuable airline worldwide, with a market capitalization of 29,63 billion dollars. It beats American Delta and Southwest Airlines in this regard.

O’Leary is known for his bold negotiating style, which regularly involves lashing out at environmental ‘halfwits’. This style also causes him to clash with staff periodically, leading Ryanair passengers to face many strikes.

In recent months, Ryanair pilots in Belgium, for example, went on strike four times for two consecutive days because their wages were never adjusted after the Covid-19 health crisis, even though they had had to cut 20% at the time.