Easyjet has announced record annual profits for a fifth consecutive year, as the airline enjoyed strong passenger growth and falling fuel prices.
Profits for the no-frills carrier grew 18 per cent year-on-year to £686 million, helped by a record load factor in August of 94.4 per cent.
Easyjet CEO Carolyn McCall said the outlook was positive for the airline but warned the “terrible” events in Paris would have a short-term effect on air travel.
“If you look at any tragic event that has happened – and it’s been terrible what has happened in Paris and we have over a thousand people out there – post-9/11 and post-7/7 things start to get back and people get mobile and they want to travel again,” McCall told the BBC’s Today programme.
“Our profitability has been driven by more passenger demand … There is a real demand for travel and I don’t think that’s going to abate,” she said.
Passenger numbers rose 6 per cent to £68.6 million and Easyjet saw cost per seat decrease by 3.4 per cent.
McCall added the airline will have a strong focus on its digital output to continue growth. “We remain totally focused on our network advantage, digital leadership and offering our customers great low fares and service.
“We continue to invest in profitable growth, ensuring our digital advantage and giving our customer good value fares.”
Last week, Easyjet launched its first frequent flyer loyalty programme under the name Flight Club.