British airline EasyJet says it expects to report a modest pre-tax profit for the six months to the end of March on the back of strong growth in passenger numbers.
In a trading statement, the airline - which usually records seasonal losses in its first half - said insurance premiums had increased substantially, but this had been offset by lower fuel prices.
It said better weather had also resulted in lower disruption costs compared with last year.
EasyJet does not normally issue a trading statement, but took the step this time because of the uncertainty in the European aviation market over the past six months.
