A growth in the number of business travellers flying with Easyjet has contributed to a positive outlook for the year end.
The number of passengers travelling on business grew by 20% between April and June, compared to the same period last year.
Low cost carrier Easyjet saw total revenue grow to £935 million in the quarter, up 23% on Q3 2011.
The airline flew 17.3% more passengers during the period, although last year’s figures were impacted by the volcanic ash crisis.
The quarter’s performance prompted Carolyn McCall, Easyjet’s CEO, to predict pre-tax profit for the year ended 30 September 2011 of between £200 million and £230 million.
“The strong operational and commercial performance in the quarter reflects the continued successful implementation of the strategy we outlined last November,” she said.
The strategy included a bid to attract more business travellers to the airline, with the launch of the Easyjet flexifare.
“Against the backdrop of high fuel prices and an uncertain economic environment, the strength of easyJet’s trading demonstrates it is well placed to succeed,” said McCall.
Passenger revenue per seat grew 2.5% to £44, while ancillary revenues increased 17% per seat to £11.65.