EasyJet on Thursday reported an increase in profits for the quarter ending 30 June, but cautioned that recent strikes by air traffic controllers in France will impact next quarter’s results.
The low-cost carrier saw profits for the period increase £50 million year-on-year to £286 million, in line with expectations. Revenue per available seat kilometre (ASK) grew 0.5 per cent year-on-year, while passenger numbers also increased by 2 per cent year-on-year and load factor improved 0.2 percentage points to 90.2 per cent.
For the year ending 30 September, the carrier expects “less pronounced” profit growth in H2 namely due to flight cancellations earlier this month caused by the French ATC strikes and higher fuel costs.
“We are extremely unhappy with the strike action by the French ATC in early July, which as well as presenting unacceptable challenges for customers and crew also created unexpected and significant costs for all airlines,” said easyJet CEO Kenton Jarvis in a statement.
“EasyJet holidays remains on track to deliver more than £235 million in profits for the full year, and we see a positive outlook for the group for FY25 and beyond, as we continue to focus on progressing towards our medium-term targets,” he added.
For the full year, the carrier expects a 9 per cent year-on-year increase in revenue per ASK, with 67 per cent of Q4 capacity already sold, the airline said.