EasyJet says it is expecting to build on a strong summer, despite pressures on consumer budgets, after COVID and post-pandemic disruption pushed it to an annual loss.

The no-frills carrier reported a headline loss before tax of £178m for the 12 months to 30 September.

While that sum was well down on the previous financial year’s loss of £1.14bn, it reflected the company’s difficulties in getting back up to speed as pandemic restrictions were eased across Europe.

EasyJet was among airlines called out for rafts of cancellations – many of them last-minute – last spring.

While easyJet was not immune to staffing woes during the peak summer season, it reported its most profitable quarter ever as earnings soared to £674m between July and September.

The airline carried almost 70 million passengers over the 12 months compared to 20 million in 2020/21.

Revenue rose to £5.8bn from £1.5bn.

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EasyJet pointed to continued momentum ahead with a strong Christmas expected – in line with volumes, it would expect to see for the festive season.

For the six months from April 2023, the period when the airline tends to make the bulk of its profit, easyJet said early bookings also looked positive.

Easter ticket yields were around 18% higher than in 2022, it reported.

It said it was planning to fly 9% more seats for the spring, summer period despite pressure on household budgets from the cost of living crisis.

The company’s chief executive, Johan Lundgren, told investors: “easyJet does well in tough times. Legacy carriers will struggle in this high-cost environment.

“Consumers will protect their holidays but look for value and across its primary airport network, easyJet will be the beneficiary as customers vote with their wallets.

“Over the next year, we are targeting customer growth and are well placed to drive returns and margins while maintaining a rigorous focus on cost.”

Shares, down 30% in the year to date, fell 3% at the open.

That likely reflect the company’s decision not to recommend a dividend.

EasyJet said it would reassess the potential for shareholder returns when the financial performance of the group allows.

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