Low-cost carrier is expecting a strong performance this year.

Airport news for Flights,Travel on 26/09/2011.

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Low-cost carrier easyJet is expecting a stronger year and has lifted its forecast for full-year profits. The airline has also announced it will issue a special dividend to shareholders.

Calling performance ‘robust’, the airlines aid business had enjoyed a boost from business travel. EasyJet is now expecting annual profits to come in at between £240 million and £250 million, increasing from the previous expectation of between £200 million and £230 million, which was issued two months ago.

Shares in easyJet rallies on news the carrier’s annual dividend of nine pence will be joined by a one-off 35p special dividend. The airline’s share price rose seven per cent.

If the latest advice on the airline’s projected annual performance pans out, easyJet could enjoy profits coming in at 40 percent above the £179 million analysts forecast earlier in the year.

The carrier said the strength of its commercial performance is continuing throughout its network. EasyJet said the city routes typically used by short-break leisure travellers and business customers are doing particularly well.

EasyJet changed strategic course earlier this year in a bid to draw in more business passengers. In July, the carrier said the move had give led to business travel on its network rising by a fifth.

There was one note of warning, however. EasyJet says it expects next year’s fuel charge to come in at £220 million more than it will pay this year.

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