EasyJet has recorded its fifth profitable year in a row with pre-tax profits hitting £686m in the year to 30 September, a rise of 18%.
There was a strong growth in passenger numbers, up by 6%. During the year, more than 68 million people boarded an easyJet flight to destinations in 31 countries.
The carrier also benefitted from lower fuel costs.
The results were announced before the impact of the Sharm el-Sheikh crisis was known. After the Russian plane crash of 31 October, some 4,500 easyJet customers were stranded in the Red Sea resort.
And it was clearly before the atrocities in Paris which will have further dampened people’s appetites for flying.
EasyJet started out as a budget domestic airline in 1995 and has grown rapidly since. Let us hope that their good fortune continues well beyond the current unrest.
Carolyn McCall, easyJet chief executive, said: "Our outlook for the longer term is positive. We expect demand in our markets to be sustained and for easyJet to continue to be a winner in its markets.
"We continue to invest in profitable growth, ensuring our digital advantage and giving our customer good value fares."
