GRAHAM HISCOTT Easy does it for bookings Airline’s 2019 sales rise, despite Brexit

BREXIT fears have failed to dent summer bookings, the boss of easyjet revealed yesterday.

Johan Lundgren said: “We haven’t seen a loss of demand. On the contrary, bookings for next summer are slightly up.”

The increase comes despite a deal to maintain flying rights between the UK and the EU being up in the air.

Lundgren described bookings for the next six months as “solid”. It came as the budget airline announced annual profits had soared by 41% to £578million.

Passenger numbers rose 10% to a record 88.5 million and its load factor – how full its planes flew – reached nearly 93%.

The airline, which already flies 979 routes to 156 airports, plans to grow capacity by another 10% in the year ahead.

It’s also ramping up a loyalty programme to build on the 65% of passengers who were return customers in the last two years.

Easyjet’s invitation-only Flight Club, for those who fly with the airline more than 20 times a year, saw its member numbers jump 45%.

However, the firm warned cost pressures will continue, with a hit of up to £100m expected from rising fuel prices.

Its annual results were boosted by the collapse of Monarch and Air Berlin, and Ryanair’s flight cancellations.

Lundgren predicted more airlines would get into trouble or be forced to merge. But he refused to comment on whether his firm was in talks with up-for-sale Flybe.

All he would say is: “We will have a look at strategic opportunities and we have the financial strength to do so.”

market dented demand for washing machines, fridges and cookers.The company has reacted by moving into new areas, including a proposed deal to buy Mobile Phones Direct. Budget fashion chain Bonmarché is banking on better Christmas sales after revealing a plunge in its profits.It made £2.3million in the six months to September 29, down nearly half, with a 29% surge in online sales failing to offset a 4% drop in store takings – since shop sales account for the lion’s share of its business. Bosses also blamed the weak pound for driving up its buying costs. The owner of theClydesdale and YorkshireBanks has swung to a full-year loss after being extra forced to take £150million an mis-selling charge linked of to the insurance. payment protection CYBG booked the year to a £164m loss September in a £268m 30, compared profit in 2017. with It was stung £396m of legacy by conduct costs, mostly due toPPI claims. COLD FRONT Shop sales are down

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