EasyJet posts half-year loss but expects bookings to rise


EasyJet posts half-year loss but expects bookings to rise |  Photo credits: © EasyJet PLC

EasyJet posts half-year loss but expects bookings to rise | Photo credits: © EasyJet PLC

LONDON, May 19 (Reuters) – EasyJet on Thursday reported a loss of 545 million pounds (643.39 million euros) in the first half but was optimistic about the summer after recording an increase in bookings, which in the last ten weeks exceed those before the pandemic.

The British low-cost airline said it plans to operate 90% of its pre-crisis capacity by April-June, the third quarter of its financial year. It has already sold 15% more tickets than in 2019 for its fourth quarter.

Chief executive Johan Lundgren said easyJet is “focused” on strengthening its “operational resilience” for the summer period after being forced to cancel many flights around Easter due to a lack of staff.

Johan Lundgren said easyJet had moved more than 1.5 million seats to its best performing markets to meet strong demand for leisure travel.

“Built-in demand and the lifting of travel restrictions have enabled a strong and sustained recovery in activity, further bolstered by our measures,” he said.

EasyJet did not provide further financial guidance for the second half of the year, citing “limited visibility” in the short term, with customers booking close to their departure date. However, he adds that the increase in fuel and the dollar exchange rate resulted in additional costs. (Report Paul Sandle; French version Valentine Baldassari, edited by Kate Entringer)





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