Cruise control: Easyjet overcomes turbulence with hike in annual haul

Easyjet has shrugged off strike woes and surging costs to notch up a 41 per cent jump in annual profits. The airline reported pre-tax profits of £578 million for the year, up on the £408m seen before. But the group warned that cost pressures will continue into its new financial year, with a hit of up to £100m expected from rising fuel prices. It also said revenues per seat will fall in the first half, due to factors including the timing of Easter. Forward bookings for summer 2019 are “slightly ahead” of summer 2018, Easyjet added.