easyJet plc Trading Update

easyJet PLC
9 April 2002

Tuesday 9 April 2002

easyJet to report profit before tax for six-month period ended 31 March 2002

easyJet plc ('easyJet'), the leading European low cost airline, today announces
a trading update for the six-month period ended 31 March 2002, ahead of the
interim results for that period which will be announced on 8 May 2002.

Although easyJet does not usually issue trading updates prior to its results
announcement, the uncertainty in the European aviation market over the past six
months has prompted it to issue a statement in this instance.

Overview:

easyJet has continued its expansion over the period and the business model has
proved robust.

easyJet has obtained additional slots at London Gatwick, and in February 2002,
began five new routes from there. In January 2002, easyJet announced that it was
in discussions with Boeing and Airbus concerning the possible acquisition by
easyJet of seventy-five additional aircraft and that it was reviewing the
benefits of potentially operating a mixed fleet.

Markets:

easyJet has experienced strong passenger demand for travel, as evidenced by high
monthly load factors which have averaged 84.2% over the period. This increase in
volume has largely compensated for the softer yields in the marketplace.

At 31 March 2002, the fleet comprised 30 aircraft. Over the period, the fleet
averaged 27.5 aircraft, an increase of over 30% compared to the same period last
year.

Costs:

Insurance premiums have increased substantially. Over the period, this increase
in insurance has been more than offset by favourable fuel prices.

Favourable weather over the period has resulted in lower disruption costs
compared to last year. easyJet considers this to be a matter of timing.

easyJet is currently assessing the carrying value in the balance sheet of its
investment in The Airline Group, the private investor in NATS (the UK provider
of en-route air traffic control).

Interim results:

easyJet's business is seasonal and in the past easyJet has experienced losses in
the first half of the financial year.

The results for the period this year will be assisted by continued strong
control over costs, favourable weather and revenues falling into this period due
to the timing of Easter.

The factors outlined above have resulted in a robust performance over the period
and easyJet expects to report a modest profit before tax for the period ended 31
March 2002.

Timetable and contacts:

easyJet's results for the six months ended 31 March 2002 will be announced on 8
May 2002.

There will be a conference call for fund managers and analysts this afternoon at
15:00 BST. For further details please contact Catherine Segrave at UBS Warburg
on [phone].

For further information please contact

Chris Walton, Finance Director                     [phone]

Toby Nicol, Head of Corporate Communications       [phone]

Derek Livingstone, Investor Relations Manager      [phone]





This announcement contains certain forward-looking statements with respect to
the financial condition, results of operations, and business of easyJet plc.
These statements and forecasts involve risk and uncertainty because they relate
to events and depend upon circumstances that will occur in the future. There are
a number of factors which could cause actual results or developments to differ
materially from those expressed or implied by these forward looking statements
and forecasts. The statements have been made with reference to forecast price
changes, economic conditions and the current regulatory environment. Nothing in
this announcement should be construed as a profit forecast, and easyJet plc
assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to
conform them to future events or developments.





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