No shift in bookings to cooler destinations has been observed at easyJet this summer season, despite reports of the negative effects of high temperatures in the Mediterranean, with the Greek islands being among the top choices of British customers for family holidays.
According to the CEO of the low-cost, British carrier, Johan Lundgren, “there is not much change. If you look at the most popular destinations, these are the usual suspects. Mallorca and Faro.”
As far as family holidays are concerned, easyJet is the largest airline on the Greek islands, while bookings across the Mediterranean region are generally excellent, according to Mr Lundgren, who stresses that “there is not much difference from a normal year”.
Also popular family destinations are Turkey and Hurghada in Egypt.
Summer sun is high on easyJet customers’ wish list, with Palma, Malaga and Faro being the top destinations this summer and the Greek islands and Turkey showing a rise in popularity.
Paris, on the other hand, dominates easyJet bookings as a city breaks destination.
During the third quarter there was a phenomenon of travellers booking closer to the departure date, which is expected to continue into the peak of the summer, according to Mr Lundgren.
The easyJet chief executive pointed out that the airline sees no impact from the protests in some destinations, such as Palma, Mallorca, about over-tourism.
According to him, the average fare for the third quarter was £73, a level similar to that seen in the same period last year. While, for flights sold at the moment it is around 67 pounds.
As Mr Lundgren pointed out, travellers are turning to value. They prefer the brand they trust and according to the attractiveness of its network.
The easyJet group chief executive made his comments after easyJet published its third quarter financial results, which showed profits improved by £33 million, compared to the same period last year, to £236 million. While, easyJet holidays also performed strongly, increasing pre-tax profits by 49% to £73 million and passengers by 33%in the three months ended 30 June.
