 Easyjet launched 18 new routes last month |
No-frills airline Easyjet has said passenger numbers rose sharply last month, helped by the half-term school holidays in the UK. The airline said it carried 2.4 million passengers in October, a 25% increase on the same period last year.
Easyjet's load factor - the average proportion of occupied seats per flight - rose to 87% from 85.5% in October 2003.
Easyjet chief Ray Webster described the firm's performance as "solid".
"Our low-cost business model remains robust and we continue to capitalise on it."
The passenger figures for October were also lifted by the launch of 18 new routes.
The increase in Easyjet's passenger numbers will help dispel investor concerns over rising oil prices at a time of intense price competition within the no-frills airline sector.
Last month, Easyjet's shares fell sharply after the airline warned that fares would remain under pressure into next year.
Two weeks ago, there was speculation of a takeover bid for Easyjet after Icelandic flag carrier Icelandair bought a 10% stake in the firm.
Easyjet shares were up more than 4% at 179p in early trade on Friday.
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