EasyJet expects ‘strong summer’ with levels close to pre-pandemic period – Economy

In a statement issued today, the ‘low-cost’ company admitted that Ómicron’s alternative to coronavirus was punishing passenger demand last month, but at the same time, it reported that it felt a boost in booking processing following the end of the requirement in the UK. For Covid tests for those who have been vaccinated.

In its balance sheet today for the first quarter of its fiscal year (between October and December, in the case of easyJet), the airline said its aircraft occupancy rate fell to 67% in December, compared to 80% recorded in October and November. year 2021.

Despite the impact of Ómicron, the company managed to halve its total losses to 213 million pounds (255 million euros), compared to 423 million pounds (507 million euros) in the same period last year.

Since January 5, the UK’s chief executive has announced that, from February 11, the need for tests for covid-19 will end before traveling into the country for those with a full vaccination schedule, easyJet says it has noticed a “significant change” in bookings. conducted by travelers.

Although it expects the new format to continue to affect its performance in the “short term”, the airline expects that between July and September, its flight program will increase from just 50% registered in January, compared to 2019, to low levels. Almost ‘close’ to the pre-pandemic period.

According to Easyjet CEO (CEO), Johan Lundgren, the company expects a 14% increase in capacity on roads between the UK and beach destinations, which will make this operation “the largest” in its 26-year history.

The director noted that the UK was “a leader in bookings, ahead of Europe, for the first time since spring 2020” and that it was “traditional beach and leisure destinations that are recovering the fastest”.

“easyJet registered a significant year-over-year improvement in the first quarter, despite the short-term impact of Ómicron in December,” he said, adding: “We anticipate a strong summer ahead, with backlog demand making easyJet return to near 2019 (pre-) levels. pandemic), with particularly good performance on the beach and recreation routes.”

PD // MSF

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