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EasyJet made a record profit this summer as demand continues to bounce back following the pandemic.
The budget airline is expecting profit before tax between July and September to come in between £650m and £670m.
Passenger numbers have risen by 8% when compared with the same period last year, with fares increasing by 9% over the same period.
In an update to investors, easyJet also confirmed that it is planning to resume paying dividends from early next year.
Initially, 10% of annual profits after tax will be distributed to shareholders from early next year – and this is expected to rise to 20% in 2025.
Orders for 157 new aircraft from Airbus have also been placed, but this investment is subject to approval from shareholders.
This could be challenging as easyJet founder Stelios Haji-Ioannou – who has a 15% stake in the airline – has previously questioned whether expensive new planes are needed.
“We have delivered a record summer with strong demand for easyJet’s flights and holidays with customers choosing us for our network, value and service,” chief executive Johan Lundgren said.
In the medium term, Mr Lundgren revealed easyJet is aiming to achieve a profit before tax of £1bn – “driven by reducing winter losses, upgauging our fleet and growing easyJet Holidays”.
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Johan Lundgren, easyJet’s chief executive
Flights to Israel suspended
EasyJet is among the airlines that have suspended flights to Israel following an unprecedented attack by Hamas last weekend.
Operations from Tel Aviv have been suspended, with all flights cancelled until 17 October at the earliest.
The company says it is reviewing the situation on the ground on a daily basis.
Speaking to reporters, Mr Lundgren said easyJet wanted to resume flights to Israel as soon as possible – but could not give a firm date.
British Airways had continued to fly to Tel Aviv until Wednesday, but suspended the route hours after one of its planes diverted back to London because of security concerns – just before it was due to arrive at Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport.
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