LONDON (AFP) – British airline EasyJet yesterday confirmed a third annual loss in a row, which was however far less than during the worst of the COVID pandemic.
The airline, which flies mainly across Europe, posted a loss after tax of GBP169 million (USD203 million) for its financial year to the end of September.
That compared with a net loss of GBP858 million in 2020/21, EasyJet added in a statement.
The COVID pandemic ravaged global aviation, grounding planes worldwide and forcing airlines to slash thousands of jobs in 2020.
Demand has recovered sharply after most lockdowns were lifted. However, airlines and airports are struggling to recruit sufficient staff after having axed so many positions.
“EasyJet has achieved a record bounce back this summer,” Chief Executive Johan Lundgren said in the statement. He added that during the current “tough” economic climate, consumers would still look to go on holiday but seek out value, helping the no-frills carrier to do better than more established rivals.
“Legacy carriers will struggle in this high-cost environment,” Lundgren said.
