EasyJet underlined its growing advantage over rivals in the low-cost sector today, raising its outlook due to a strategy of adding flights on routes where rivals have cut back.
The Luton-based firm said it now expected pre-tax profits for the 12 months to September 30 of £470-480m sterling compared with its previous guidance of £450-480m.
The upbeat assessment stands in contrast to that given last month by Ryanair which warned on annual profit, blaming lower demand across Europe and currency issues.
EasyJet said it expected revenue per seat at constant currency to increase about 6% in the three months to September 30, driven by strong demand in July and August, taking second half growth also to 6%.
Cost per seat, excluding fuel growth and at constant currency, was forecast up 4%, mainly reflecting higher charges at some airports.
Looking further out, EasyJet said a quarter of seats for the first half of the year to September 30 2014 had been sold, in line with the prior year.
However, it forecast an increase in its year-on-year fuel bill for the first half of the 2013-14 year of £20-30m and a negative exchange rate impact of £10m.
