'Best ever day' for easyJet's summer bookings

EasyJet has enjoyed its best ever day for summer bookings in its 20-year history.

The Luton-based airline sold more than 600,000 seats on Thursday, when tickets for flights next summer became available.

During the day's busiest period, the budget carrier was filling the equivalent of one of its Airbus aircraft every six seconds.

EasyJet's UK director, Sophie Dekkers, said: "Thursday was a great day for our customers to get a fantastic deal on our flights.

"In over 20 years, we have never seen such demand for summer bookings in one day - with a record number of customers booked.

"We always recommend that customers book as early as possible to secure the lowest fares and there are still plenty of bargains left to be had.

"Our passengers can look forward to more low fares to their favourite European destinations for next summer."

EasyJet has bases across 11 UK airports and flies more than 830 routes on its network across Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.

Last month, the carrier warned that the tumbling value of the pound since the Brexit vote - hitting 31-year lows against the US dollar - would cost it £90 million.

The group said it was expecting profits for the year to September 30 to nosedive by nearly a third, to between £490 million and £495 million.

Speaking at the time of the trading update, easyJet boss Carolyn McCall said: "History shows that at times like this the strongest airlines become stronger.

"That is why we will continue to invest for the long-term success of the business."