Despite the obstacles of COVID-19 and rising fuel prices, EasyJet (EZJ.L) said it outperformed its first-half goals, with capacity ramping up to 80 percent of pre-pandemic levels in March and demand recovering.
In the last seven days, the low-cost carrier, which has been beset by crew shortages, said it had flown 94 percent of its planned schedule.
It claimed that the British government’s declaration in January that travel restrictions would be lifted had boosted summer bookings.
“Since the travel restrictions were relaxed, EasyJet has experienced a considerable and sustained recovery in commerce, resulting in an optimistic prediction for Easter and beyond,” said CEO Johan Lundgren on Tuesday.
“We remain optimistic about our plans, which call for us to fly at levels close to those witnessed in 2019 this summer.”
EasyJet said it expects a group headline loss before tax of between 535 million and 565 million pounds ($696-735 million) for the six months ending March 2022.