Easyjet has posted a profit in the first six months of its financial year for the first time in more than a decade.
The performance of allocated seating, an earlier Easter and lower fuel costs helped Easyjet post a profit before tax of £7 million, compared with a loss of £53 million for the same period last year.
Total revenue per seat increased 2.6 per cent compared to last year. Average load factors increased to 89.7% while capacity grew by 3.6 per cent to 32.2 million seats.
“The profit in the half reflects the delivery of our customer focused revenue initiatives and a strong finish to the ski season as well as the benefit we received from the lower fuel price and favourable foreign exchange movements,” said CEO Carolyn McCall.
“As we enter the important summer season forward bookings are in line with last year and as we predicted passengers are benefitting as fares fall to reflect a more competitive operating environment and lower fuel costs," she added.
The no-frills carrier said despite the positive results it warned second-half year results will be affected by the French Air Traffic Control strikes in April. Easyjet expects profits will be hit by around £25 million.
Read an interview with Carolyn McCall, who picked up a lifetime achievement award at this year’s Business Travel Awards.