Losses halve at easyJet thanks to winter sun exodus
BRITONS flying abroad to escape the long winter have helped easyJet halve losses in the first six months of the year.
The estimated seasonal loss of about £60 million, to be confirmed this week, was also narrowed year-on-year due to Easter falling early in 2013.
Analysts reckon the Luton-based carrier headed by Carolyn McCall is on course for record full-year profits of £400 million this year despite the drag of a £1 billion fuel bill.
The airline is proving increasingly popular with business travellers, particularly since allocated seating was introduced. Of the 60 million passengers it carried last year, 10 million were travelling for business. A new route to Moscow has gone down well with the business world.
Analysts at Goodbody said: “EasyJet has positioned itself to continue winning traffic from legacy carriers over the summer months.”
Losses halve at easyJet thanks to winter sun exodus
It is preparing to order up to 200 fuel-efficient aircraft to replace its ageing fleet. These would allow it to keep growing at up to 5 per cent a year.
The company has been examining different types of planes including the Boeing 737 Max, the Airbus A320neo and the Bombardier CSeries for what could be a firm order for 100 jets, plus options for 100 more.
A decision is due later this summer.