EasyJet’s appeal to families sees more passengers

EASYJET BELIEVES its parentfriendly initiatives contributed to a jump in travel by families.

Some 15.5 million passengers travelling as part of a family flew with the budget carrier in the 12 months to the end of March, up 15 per cent on the previous year.

This is compared with an overall increase in passengers of just nine per cent over the same period.

EasyJet chief commercial officer Peter Duffy said: “We believe that easyJet’s increasing appeal to families is for a combination of reasons: our unrivalled network of family-friendly destinations, our customer service, friendly crew and helpful initiatives which help parents bring essential items of luggage like buggies and car seats.

“Families have also cited convenient booking methods as one reason why they choose to book with easyJet, with mobile bookings made for family travellers growing by 47 per cent year-onyear.”

July and August were the most popular months for family travel, but December to February saw a 36 per cent increase compared with the previous year.

EasyJet said customers travelling with children tend to be more satisfied with the airline than those without.

The Luton-based carrier announced earlier this month that it racked up large half-year losses after being stung by the collapse in the value of the Brexithit pound and the later timing of Easter.

It reported a £236 million pre-tax loss in the six months to March 31, which compares with an £18 million loss in the same period last year.

Despite the loss, easyJet is maintaining its full-year expectations.

The group is in the midst of setting up a new operating company in mainland Europe and applying for a new licence to secure flying rights on continental routes after Brexit.