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EasyJet passenger numbers take a hit
EASYJET has seen its first decline in passenger numbers since sales were hit by the eruption of the volcanic ash cloud in April 2010.
The budget airline said the numbers of passengers fell by 0.4 per cent to 3.73m in January compared to 3.74m in the same month last year after economic headwinds took their toll.
easyJet posted an 8.1 per cent rise in passengers in final three months of last year, helped by the absence of winter disruption. However, it now faces a more difficult February with the possibility of more snow.
The group has kept its capacity flat over the winter to reflect weaker consumer confidence. Despite lower traffic figures, its load factor has risen from 78.9 to 81.9 per cent.