AGM Statement

easyJet PLC 26 February 2004 26 February 2004 Embargoed until 07.00 easyJet PLC Annual General Meeting trading update easyJet PLC has performed well in the first three months of its financial year to 31 December 2003. Summary of performance 3 months to 31 December 3 months to 31 December % 2003 2002 Change Average fare £ 39.87 38.62 3.2% Load factor % 82.4 80.5 2.3% Passengers m 5.3 4.5 16.3% Average aircraft in fleet 77 64 20.3% Average operating aircraft 71 63 12.7% ASKs bn 5.5 4.8 14.0% RPKs bn 4.5 3.9 15.0% Commenting on these figures at the Annual General Meeting to be held at 10:00 today in Luton, Sir Colin Chandler, Chairman of easyJet PLC, will say: 'Despite a competitive environment, we have reported improved yields and improved load factors compared to the same period last year. The peak rates of our capacity growth in the last couple of years have now passed and, as planned, our business model is delivering controlled growth. This sound performance is evidence of the value and strength of our business model, which provides low-cost good value services on attractive routes to mainstream airports. Passenger numbers in the first quarter rose faster than the planned increase in capacity. The introduction of the first five of the new Airbus 319s into Geneva has been successful. We have recently announced the addition of 15 routes, several to countries due to enter the EU, reflecting the continued opportunities for low-cost airline growth in Europe. Given that approximately one-third of our cost base is denominated in US Dollars, the favourable Sterling/US Dollar exchange rate has outweighed the negative impact of rising fuel costs over the period. We reiterate our previous comment in welcoming the decision by the European Commission clarifying the relationship between airlines and publicly-owned airports and see it as supportive of the low-cost airline industry.' Outlook Turning to the outlook, Ray Webster, easyJet's Chief Executive, will say: 'We remain cautiously optimistic regarding our performance for the full financial year. Load factors and yields for the first half are anticipated to be above last year at the current levels of forward bookings for the remainder of the period. However, as with almost every year of our history, the seasonal nature of our trading patterns means that the majority of our profits will be generated in the last quarter of the financial year and, following this historical pattern, we anticipate showing a loss in the first half of the year. For the year to 30 September 2004 as a whole, we expect slightly improved load factors and a similar yield, compared to last year.' Conference Call There will be a conference call for fund managers and analysts at 14:30 London time. To participate, contact Abigail Forbes at Financial Dynamics on +44 (0)20 7269 7211. END This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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easyJet (EZJ)
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