EasyJet profits climb but Norwegian bid ruled out

Low-cost airline easyJet expects profits to rise more than 30% this year as it benefits from strong travel demand and the collapse of some smaller short-haul rivals but its new chief executive said it has no plan to muscle in the bidding battle for long-haul carrier Norwegian Air Shuttle.

Johan Lundgren said he has no plans to enter the long-haul low-cost market even as Norwegian rejected two approaches from IAG--the Aer Lingus and British Airways owner.