EASY JET INVESTING 90m!

[PPRuNe Pop]

Seen on teletext this morning that EasyJet are investing in a £90m expansion programme. They are "going after" some of the routes that have been forcibly dumped by the unfortunate.

To be expected, of course.

[Gaza]

Strong maiden results from "the web's favourite airline"


easyJet plc, the fast-growing low cost airline, today announced maiden preliminary results for the year ended 30 September 2001.

Highlights of the full year’s performance include:


Profit before tax up 82% to £40.1m (2000: £22.1m)
Revenues up 35% to £356.9m (2000: £263.7m)
Passenger numbers up 26% to 7.1m (2000: 5.6m)
Load factor up 2.2 percentage points to 83% (2000: 80.8%)
Average internet sales percentage over the financial year 86.5% (2000: 65.1%)
Introduction of nine new routes


Ray Webster, Chief Executive, commented:

"easyJet continues to focus on strengthening its network density. The introduction of nine new routes over the last financial year means that easyJet now flies to 17 airports and operates 35 routes.

"Orders are in place for 10 new Boeing aircraft, which will arrive during the next financial year and easyJet plans to take delivery of all 25 of its B737 – 700s between October 2001 and May 2004.

"We believe easyJet is in a strong position to capitalise on the downsizing of other carriers’ networks. Its business model has been built on high frequency between major cities, creating credible alternatives for the business traveller. Also, if the economies slow, we expect that business travellers will seek low-cost alternatives and will migrate from the full-fare carriers.

"These are still very early days since the New York and Washington attacks, and all airlines are still learning about the changed European environment. We are cautiously optimistic about the trading environment, and believe that our business model is robust and able to operate within whatever security regime exists in Europe.

"Although global demand will be affected, easyJet believes that low-cost airlines will be more resilient, particularly if they fly point-to-point within Europe. In comparison with most national flag carriers, the low-cost point-to-point European airlines should prosper.

"The industry will experience some short-term pain, but we expect that the contraction of the industry is likely to provide a range of unique slot and airport opportunities for easyJet. Also, the availability of cheaper aircraft and a larger pool of pilots may aid growth opportunities.

"While some other airlines are announcing job losses and fleet capacity reductions, we look forward to hiring additional staff to deliver planned growth".

[easy]

Dear P.P,

Are you implying that we shoudn't?

Rgds,

easy

[moggie]

if the big guys can't make a route pay and have to drop it then likes of easyJet deserve a "GO" if you'll pardon the pun! Stelios and his philosophy make not be everyone's cup of tea but it works.

I regularly fly EJ from Spain to the UK and back and have been impressed each time - and I like the way the EJ website gives total clarity on pricing (as well as showing cheaper options). That kind of approach breeds customer loyalty.

Good luck to them - they at least have the b@lls to try something new.

[PAXboy]

As an outsider observer - but frequent and enthusiastic pax on easy - my only concern is that thee are trying to expand too fast.

It is a mistake that any business can make, to over reach itself. 11/9 is not the only factor, the world is pitching down into recession and there are going to be some casulties.

Whilst the new outta the box -700s are very fine, I do wonder why a low-cost outfit buys brand spanking new machines?

[ 29 October 2001: Message edited by: PAXboy ]

[DIRECTTANGODELTA]

If Stellios is spending his money,can someone point him in the Teesside direction.We are crying out for a budget carrier up here.I tried a day return to AMS the other day and it was £260!!!.Bloody ridiculous,no wonder KLMyuk cant fill a Fokker 50.Come on Stellios,the demand is here along with good facilities and an under-utilised airport. IT WILL WORK!!! :p :) :) :) :) :)

[PPRuNe Pop]

easy!

Never! In fact I have been vociferous in my views that Stelios would go after routes that become 'vacant'. I know I would in his shoes. In fact this is only just the tip of the iceberg. The "Titanic" is going to sink all over again!

In other words. You ain't seen nothing yet! :eek:

[Mode7]

It will be great when EasyBleet can come up with their own origional adverts etc. "The Web's Favourite Airline".....hello Stelios can't you do better than that? :p