Easyjet issues buoyant forecast

Easyjet has seen an increase in business and long haul travellers

Budget carrier Easyjet has reported a 32% rise in quarterly revenues and said its results in half year to end-March "will be ahead of previous guidance".

The airline said its total revenue rose to £550m ($760m) in the three months to the end of December.

However, chief executive Andy Harrison warned that the outlook for the summer remained uncertain amid the difficult economic and financial environment.

He also said there had been an increase in business and long haul travellers.

"This is more than compensating for some softness in discretionary travel, and means Easyjet continues to win market share," Mr Harrison said in a statement.

"Easyjet reiterates guidance that for the full year at current fuel and exchange rates Easyjet expects to be profitable."

Shares in Easyjet rose 11% after Thursday's announcement.

Earlier in January, the airline, which carried 44 million passengers last year, announced nine new routes across Europe.

The airline industry has been going through difficult times as the current economic climate made people cut their spending.

Record fuel prices in the first half of 2008 also hit the industry.