easyJet PLC
22 March 2005
For immediate release 22 March 2005
UPDATE ON TRADING AHEAD OF CLOSED PERIOD
easyJet, the leading European low cost airline, is providing the following
routine statement on trading prior to entering its close period ahead of its
2005 interim results, which will be announced on 24 May 2005.
Ray Webster, Chief Executive of easyJet said:
'Trading conditions have remained stable in the first half with total revenue
per passenger expected to increase by between 1% and 2% over the same period
last year helped by Easter falling into the period. We anticipate growth of 24%
in passenger numbers when compared to H1 2004. We now fly to a total of 60
airports, bringing one third of the population of the European Union to within
60 minutes travel time of an easyJet airport - which is all the more reason to
look forward to the arrival of our 100th aircraft in mid April.'
The price of fuel remains high and volatile. In spite of this, operating margins
for the period are expected to be broadly in line with last year. Total gross
cash on the balance sheet at the half-year end is expected to exceed £600m.
easyJet remains committed to its low-cost business model which makes the travel
experience as easy as possible. It flies to primary airports close to Europe's
major population centres; is introducing self-check-in kiosks for all passengers
at certain airports and has the world's most generous hand baggage policy. As a
result, it has a natural appeal to cost-conscious business passengers and has
recently announced an agreement with Business Travel International which will
strengthen its position in this important market.
Competition from smaller low-cost carriers and from the legacy airlines is
unlikely to diminish. easyJet is meeting these challenges by constant attention
to cost efficiencies, some of which are only possible because of the airline's
scale and leverage with suppliers, and continued emphasis on the airline's
revenue mix.
END
For further details please contact:
easyJet plc
Press:
Toby Nicol, Corporate Communications +44 (0) 1582 525 339
Analysts:
Andrew Barker, Investor Relations +44 (0) 1582 525 274
Cliff Hide, Investor Relations
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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