Earnings from checked baggage charges are helping easyJet to offset rising fuel costs, the airline said in a trading update today.
The charges, introduced last October, prompted the airline to stick to its original forecast of 20% growth in full-year pre-tax underlying profit.
In the three months from October 1 to December 31 2007, total
revenue per seat grew by 0.5% to £36.98 compared to the same period last year, driven by strong growth in non-UK originating passengers
The rise was ahead of expectations and was helped by the strengthening Euro and the introduction of the checked bag charge, said the statement.
The £2 charge, now increased to £3.99, helped the airline grow ancillary revenues grew by 61.9% during the quarter.
As a result of continued investment outside the UK, particularly in Italy, Spain and Switzerland, total non-UK originating passengers increased by 22% in the period. Meanwhile, UK originating passenger numbers grew by 5%.
The airline said load factors for London-based aircraft were ahead of last year, with a particularly strong performance at Gatwick.
By Bev Fearis
