EasyJet has upgraded its first-half results forecast by 25%, sending its shares close to an all-time high on the back of tight cost control and the popularity of its allocated seating programme.
EasyJet has over the last year stolen a march on bigger budget rival Ryanair by introducing measures such as allocated seating and allowing passengers to change their flights in a bid to appeal to business travellers.
Stansted Airport has been named the world’s best for low-cost airlines for the fourth year in a row at an international award ceremony.
The accolade is based on a survey of 13 million passengers at more than 400 airports across the world.
Stansted recorded a growth in passenger numbers last year for the first time since 2007.
Ryanair has announced plans to offer flights to the US for less than £10, but admitted passengers will have to pay some additional charges.
The flights would leave from up to 14 major European cities to 12-14 destinations in the United States.
Mr O’Leary added that “Not every seat will be €10 of course, there will also need to be a very high number of business or premium seats.”
IAG said on Friday that Scottish independence could be good for their business, providing a boost to the campaign that wants Scotland to split from the United Kingdom.
After a flurry of companies this week raised potential risks from independence, IAG Chief Executive Willie Walsh said he was not worried about British Airway’s prospects if Scotland voted on September 18 to end a 307-year tie with England.
“If anything, it will be slightly positive, since we believe (an independent Scotland) will abolish air passenger duty because they recognise the huge impact that tax has on their economy,” Walsh told BBC television.
