EasyJet profits soar beyond expectations

Budget airline easyJet today overcame the challenge of soaring fuel costs to post a forecast-beating 9% rise in annual profits.

The Luton-based company, which has added 72 new routes over the last year, revealed profits rose to £68m (€100m) – after previously preparing investors for a figure broadly in line with last year’s £62m (€90m).

It came after a year in which easyJet carried 29.6 million passengers, up 21% on last year, although it said this growth would fall to around 15% in its new financial year.

Unveiling his last set of results as chief executive, Ray Webster said: “These are commendable results in difficult conditions delivered partly through a strong year-round focus on costs.”