easyJet raises FY2012 profit before tax guidance

easyJet raised (03-Oct-2012) its full year ended 30-Sep-2012 profit before tax guidance from between GBP280 million and GBP300 million to between GBP310 million and GBP320 million, stating, "commercial and operational performance continues to be robust across the network." According to the carrier, demand from London increased towards the upper end of expectations with the late market and beach routes performing particularly well following the end of the London Olympic Games. Details include:

• Six months ended 30-Sep-2012:
  • Capacity growth: +7%, unchanged compared to previous guidance;
  • Revenue per seat*: +5% to +5.5%, compared to previous guidance of low to mid-single digits;
  • Cost per seat excl fuel*: +1.5% to +2%, compared to previous guidance of +1% to +2%;
• 12 months ended 30-Sep-2012:
  • Profit before tax: GBP310 million to GBP320 million, compared to previous guidance of GBP280 million to GBP300 million. [more - original PR]

easyJet also reported a third of seats for the three months ending 31-Dec-2012 have now been sold, in line with the prior year.

easyJet: "The near term economic outlook for Europe remains highly uncertain and easyJet also benefited from abnormally low levels of disruption in 2012. easyJet's unit airport costs are expected to increase by around £80 million for the financial year 2013 due to significantly above inflation rises in charges at regulated airports, in Spain and Italy." Source: Company statement, 03-Oct-2012.