British budget airline EasyJet said today a reduction in capacity by competitors was contributing to a positive trading environment and helping revenues.
Today marked the first trading update under new boss Johan Lundgren.
The airline industry was reshaped last year after British holiday carrier Monarch collapsed, Germany's Air Berlin and Italy's Alitalia went into administration and Ryanair cancelled flights over issues with pilot rostering.
Those events have been to EasyJet's benefit.
A reduction of competition has supported pricing and load factors on its flights, and it also swept up part of Air Berlin's operations at Berlin Tegel airport. EasyJet's first Tegel flight was earlier this month.
EasyJet said total revenue increased 14.4% to £1.14 billion in the quarter ended December 31, helped by lower growth from rivals in its markets and positive foreign exchange effects.
"EasyJet delivered a strong start to the financial year with a significant growth in revenue in part driven by an increase in passengers flown," said chief executive Lundgren, who joined in December.
He succeeded Carolyn McCall, who departed to take up the role of CEO at broadcaster ITV.
