easyJet losses nearly double

10th May 2011 08:01

No frills airline easyJet nearly doubled first half losses as fuel prices increased and as customers remain cautious about flying in difficult economic conditions.For the six months ended 31 March 2011 loss before tax widened to £153m from a loss of £79m a year earlier. Total revenue increased to £1.3bn from £1.2bn previously. easyJet said rising fuel costs accounted for £43m of the total losses while increased passenger taxation added £21m to the interim loss.Total revenue at constant currency per seat fell by 2.1%, or 2.7% on a reported basis, in part due to increased passenger departure taxes and charges. "The past six months has been tough with sharply rising fuel costs combined with cautious behaviour by consumers and an adverse impact from taxes on passengers," said chief executive Carolyn McCall in a company statement.Forward bookings are in line with the prior year with nearly half of summer seats now sold. Second half total revenue per seat at constant currency is slightly ahead of the prior year. easyJet said it would pay a dividend in next year for the year ending 30 September 2011.CJ