Jet2holidays saw carryings almost double due to the “particularly poor” British summer weather.
The operator handled 312,000 holidaymakers in the six months to September, up by 97% from 158,000 in the same period in 2011.
“This significant growth has been achieved through further improvements to the Jet2holidays product range, and development of its online and high street distribution channels,” parent company Dart Group said today in a trading statement.
Sister budget carrier Jet2.com saw carryings rise by 14% in the six months to 3.6 million passengers, with increases in yields and load factors.
“Jet2.com has had a strong summer due to volumes underpinned by the continued successful growth of Jet2holidays and helped by the particularly poor British summer weather,” Dart said ahead of announcing interim results on November 22.
The company added: “Our leisure travel operations are becoming increasingly seasonal as we continue to grow the business.
“This, coupled with strong summer trading, will result in the group’s profit before taxation for the first half of the year being ahead of the same period in the previous year, with increased losses expected in the second half.
“Notwithstanding the current economic climate, the board expects to exceed current market expectations for the year ending 31 March 2013.”