Introduction

EasyJet is set to boost its capacity on routes to North Africa by 35% during the winter 2024-25 season. This strategic move aims to mitigate financial losses typically incurred during the low season. The UK-based airline reported a pre-tax loss of £347 million ($440 million) for the six months ending March 31, an improvement from a £415 million loss in the same period the previous year. CFO Kenton Jarvis, who will become EasyJet's CEO in 2025, emphasized the importance of achieving profitability in the December quarter and minimizing losses in the March quarter.

Targeted Expansion in North Africa

EasyJet plans to expand its winter sun routes strategically, focusing on destinations in Tunisia and Egypt. During the winter 2023-24 season, EasyJet served nine destinations in North Africa, including:

- Morocco: Agadir, Essaouira, Marrakech, Rabat

- Egypt: Giza, Hurghada, Marsa Alam, Sharm El-Sheikh

- Tunisia: Enfidha

Last winter, the airline's capacity to North Africa increased by 72% compared to the 2022-23 season and 98% compared to winter 2019-20.

New Routes to West Africa

In addition to expanding in North Africa, EasyJet will introduce its first flights to West Africa. Starting late October, the airline will launch two routes to Cape Verde from Lisbon and Porto, Portugal. These flights will connect to Sal, marking EasyJet's southernmost and westernmost points in its network.

Strong Travel Demand in Europe

CEO Johan Lundgren noted robust travel demand in Europe, with over a million more passengers booked compared to the same period last year. EasyJet continues to optimize its network, focusing on markets with the highest demand and returns. This strategy includes capacity rationalization in Berlin and further growth from Lisbon and Porto.

New Bases and Competitive Landscape

In 2024, EasyJet opened new bases in Birmingham, England, and Alicante, Spain, with plans to reopen a base at London Southend Airport in summer 2025. CCO Sophie Dekkers highlighted the competitive landscape, noting Ryanair's addition of 40 aircraft and 8.9 million seats this summer. However, most of Ryanair's growth does not directly compete with EasyJet's routes.

Fleet Expansion and Upgauging Process

EasyJet's upgauging process is on track, with the airline expecting to receive 16 Airbus A320neo-family aircraft during the 2024 financial year. The current fleet includes 78 A320neo-family aircraft, with an order book for an additional 306 and 100 purchase rights. The new aircraft will replace EasyJet’s 88 A319s, ensuring a more efficient and modern fleet.