easyJet has delivered a 27.8 per cent rise in annual pre-tax profits, reporting a record £317 million.

The result was achieved despite a £182 million rise in fuel costs as revenue per seat increased by 5.9 per cent to £58.51.

The budget carrier saw passenger numbers grow by 7.1 per cent to 58.4 million in the 12 months to September 30th.

Chief executive, Carolyn McCall, said: “These results demonstrate that easyJet is a structural winner in the European short-haul market against both legacy and low-cost competition.

“The strength of easyJet’s business model and strategy coupled with the hard work and dedication of the easyJet
team has delivered record profits as well as a significant increase in returns for shareholders during the year.”

McCall added: “Whilst there is always the potential for unexpected events to temporarily impact financial results, the board of easyJet is confident that its business model, strategy and people will consistently continue to generate superior returns and growth for shareholders.”

The carrier, which is introducing allocated seating across its network from November 27th following a trial, said it was now the third-most-searched-for airline globally with almost 400 million visits to its website over the last 12 months.

easyJet is considered the World’s Leading Low-cost Airline by the World Travel Awards.