Allocated Seating

RNS Number : 5016L

easyJet PLC

05 September 2012

 



5^th September 2012

easyJet plc announces successful outcome to allocated seating trial

As set out in the 9 May 2012 interim results announcement easyJet has been trialling allocated seating across 5% of the group's network, measured in seats flown. The objective of the trial was to measure performance against the following criteria:

1.    Asset utilisation - On Time Performance and turn time performance

2.    Cost - no negative impact on cost per seat

3.    Customer - increased satisfaction

4.    Revenue - match or exceed Speedy Boarding revenue stream

easyJet is pleased to announce that the trial delivered satisfactory results against each of the four criteria. As a result easyJet is to roll out allocated seating across its network from November 2012. Research gathered as part of the trial showed that more than 70% of passengers on trial routes thought the allocated seating was better than easyJet's current system due to the improved boarding experience and over 60% said that they are more likely to use easyJet in the future.

easyJet will announce its August traffic statistics on 6th September 2012 and issue a pre-close statement for the 12 months ending 30 September 2102 on 3rd October 2012.

Carolyn McCall, Chief Executive of easyJet, commented:

"This is an example of easyJet trying to do all it can to make travel easy and affordable for our passengers.  Our customers asked us to trial allocated seating and we are really pleased with the positive passenger feedback during the trial.  As importantly, we have shown that we can do so while delivering strong on time performance - the most important driver of passenger satisfaction."  

For further details please contact easyJet plc:

Institutional investors and analysts:

Rachel Kentleton                                                                        [phone]

Tom Oliver                                                                                [phone]

Media:                         

Paul Moore                                                                                [phone]

Edward Simpkins   RLM Finsbury                                                  [phone]

How easyJet allocated seating works:

All passengers will be allocated a seat on easyJet's flights and will have the choice of selecting their seat for a fee when they book flights or add them later to guarantee where they'll be sitting.  There are three bands of pricing, dependent on the seat selected:

·      £12 for extra leg room (front row and exit rows)

·      £8 for up front seats (row 2-5 on A319 or 2-6 on A320)

·      £3 for any other seat

Anyone who chooses not to pay to select their seat is given their seat number when they check in either online or at the airport.

The reservations system takes the data and seats the whole aircraft using a complex formula in less than 1 second. Passengers on the same booking will be seated together where possible.

easyJet trialled allocated seating during the summer season, the airline's busiest time, to stress test the new systems and procedures.  The airline will roll out allocated seating during the winter season when fewer people travel to ensure a smooth transition from one system to another.  The trial flights showed that allocated seating can be delivered at the same time as maintaining strong levels of on time performance and without adding cost.

easyJet plus! annual cardholders and Flexi Fare customers will able to select seats free of charge as well continuing to enjoy the benefits of Speedy Boarding's dedicated check-in desk and Speedy Boarding - allowing them to board the aircraft first.

Passengers purchasing Upfront or Extra Legroom seats will be given access to the Speedy Boarding dedicated check-in desk and be the first to board.

Ends

 

END

 

 

MSCUGUCCBUPPGRC