easyJet has reported a loss of £236 million in the six months to the end of March, compared to a £18m loss in the same period last year, while headline losses also deepened by £191m to £212m. The loss comes despite reported record passenger numbers to 33.8m – an increase of 9 per cent, with load factor up by 0.5 percentage points to 90.2 per cent. Revenues rose by 3.2 per cent. EasyJet blames the later timing of Easter and currency pressures for the loss.
Carolyn McCall, chief executive, said the losses “reflect the movement of Easter into the second half as well as currency effects which together had an estimated impact of circa £127m on the bottom line”.
“Looking ahead, we are seeing an improving revenue per seat trend as well as the continued reduction of competitor capacity growth. Cost performance for the full year will continue to be strong,” added Ms McCall.