Easyjet raises annual profit forecast after good summer
Easyjet has upped its profit forecast after strong figures for the summer. (Release)
Revenue per seat for the three months to 30 September is expected to grow by about six per cent, said the budget airline.
Pretax profit for the year to 30 September is expected to be between £470m and £480m – previous estimates were of £450m to £480m. Carolyn McCall, easyJet's chief executive, said that the strong performance over the past year is due to managerial ability to "generate value to our customers and maintain a tight control of costs combined with an unusually benign capacity environment."
Passenger numbers for September rose by 4.8 per cent to 5.7m.
Despite political unrest in Egypt, and the movement of Easter affecting the second half of the year, demand was strong in July and August.
Commenting on the pre-close statement, McCall added:
easyJet's great network, friendly customer service, cost advantage and strong balance sheet means it will continue to be a structural winner in European short haul aviation and to deliver sustainable returns and growth for shareholders.
