Trading Update and Pre-Close Statement
easyJet expects to deliver a first half performance ahead of the guidance given in the 27 January 2015 trading statement primarily due to the movement of exchange rates in the second quarter.
· Revenue per seat growth at constant currency for the six months to 31 March 2015 is now expected to be around 2.5%1;
· Cost per seat at constant currency for the six months to 31 March 2015 is now expected to increase by up to 3.0%,1, 3 due to higher levels of de-icing and disruption costs in the second quarter;
· As a result cost per seat at constant currency for the full year is now expected to increase by up to 2.5%2, 3;
· Based on a Euro : Sterling exchange rate of 1.3574 and a US Dollar : Sterling exchange rate of 1.4917 it is now expected that exchange rate movements are likely to have around a £20 million favourable impact in the six months to 31 March 20151 primarily due to the recent weakening of the Euro against Sterling;
· Using the same exchange rates, the first half favourable impact will reverse in the second half and it is expected that exchange rate movements are likely to have around a £40 million adverse impact in the second half. This will result in a £20 million adverse impact for the 12 months to 30 September 20152;
· It is expected that easyJet's unit fuel bill for the six months to 31 March 20151 will be around £35 million favourable and for the 12 months to 30 September 20152 it is estimated that easyJet's unit fuel bill4 is likely to be between £90 million and £120 million6 favourable.