British airline EasyJet has reported a 40% increase in annual net profit due to strong demand for package holidays.
After-tax profit was 452 million pounds ($569 million) for the 12 months to the end of September.
“The outlook for easyJet is positive,” said chief financial officer Kenton Jarvis, who will take over as chief executive next year.
He noted the popularity of longer travel routes such as North Africa and the Canary Islands.
“We plan to take on 25% more customers for package holidays, which continue to thrive,” he added.
“The launch of the holidays division comes at the right time when consumers looking to save money are looking for bargains,” said Richard Hunter, head of markets at investment platform Interactive Investor.
The company's board recommended that shareholders be paid dividends totaling £92 million, up £34 million from last year.
The carrier's shares rose about 2.5% in London's FTSE 100 index after the results were announced. | BGNES, AFP
