The first flight by easyJet Europe takes off today after the budget carrier secured approval for the Austrian-based offshoot to overcome post-Brexit flight concerns.
The airline won approval for Air Operator Certificate and airline operating licence from the authorities in Vienna, securing its future operations in Europe.
Chief executive, Carolyn McCall, said: “Our European AOC has now been awarded and the first flight by an easyJet Europe aircraft takes place today.
“That means our flying rights in Europe will be secure after the UK leaves the EU.”
She was speaking as easyJet reported a 10.8% rise in year-on-year carryings to 22.3 million passengers in the three months to June 30.
Total revenue in the quarter increased by 16% to £1.387 million, with a “significant benefit:” from the move of Easter to April, higher load factors, as well as an improving underlying trend in the trading environment.
Overall revenue per seat rose by 2.2% at constant currency, ahead of guidance, and increased by 5.9% on a reported basis to £57.78 per seat.
Operational performance for the quarter improved as investment in “resilience” delivered improved on time performance figures across the network.
A new ground handling agreement has been signed with DHL to. Handle more than nine million passengers a year at Gatwick, commencing November.
About 67% of expected bookings for the peak three months of summer have now been secured. Based on this, revenue per seat at constant currency for the six months ending September 30 is expected to decline by around 2%.
“This reflects in particular continuing high market growth, including by easyJet, in key summer holiday markets such as Spain and Portugal,” the airline said.
The airline expects to deliver a headline full year pre-tax profit of between £380 million and £420 million.
McCall, who this week announced her departure by the end of the year to head ITV, said: “EasyJet has delivered a strong performance in the quarter right across the business.
“Our purposeful and disciplined growth continues to strengthen our market positions and we are seeing an underlying improving revenue trend.
“Our continuing product and digital innovation is generating revenue growth. Our underlying cost control is strong, while our investment in resilience is delivering results in our operational performance.”
She added: “Although we expect capacity to continue to put pressure on yields, our progress this year has enabled us to upgrade this year’s profit before tax forecast and demonstrates that after a difficult 18 months of external challenges easyJet once again has positive momentum.”
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