EasyJet is expecting a rise in profits of between 14% and 19% this year despite unrest in Israel and political tensions in Russia and Egypt.
The airline said that “assuming no further significant disruption”, it was forecasting pre-tax profits in the range of £545m to £570m for the year to September 30, 2014, up from £478m last year. The figures include “the impact from the situations in Israel, Egypt and Moscow”, said the airline’s chief executive, Carolyn McCall.
The carrier said revenues rose by 8.9% to £1.2 billon and the number of passengers carried had increased by 9.4% to 17.9 million.
Revenue performance was driven by the late timing of Easter into the third quarter of the financial year and brand initiatives. Both combined meant revenue per seat rose by 1.7% to £62.47.
Capacity was also up by 6.8%, driven by a 16% increase in capacity at Gatwick after easyJet purchased Flybe slots at the airport, and further growth at Rome Fiumicino.
McCall said: “EasyJet has again delivered a solid performance in the quarter, carrying 17.9 million passengers and growing revenue by 8.6% to £1,240 million.
“We will continue to invest in building leading network positions, and this combined with a compelling customer proposition, low cost base and strong balance sheet leaves easyJet well positioned to continue to deliver sustainable growth and returns.
“With 77% of second-half seats now booked, easyJet expects to grow profit before tax from £478 million for the year to 30 September 2013 to a range of £545 million to £570 million for the year to 30 September 2014, assuming no further significant disruption.
“This range includes the impact from the situations in Israel, Egypt and Moscow.”