Budget airline easyJet enjoyed a 17.4 per cent increase in passengers on its flights last month.

The carrier, which has operations at Gatwick, said 1.86 million people flew on its services in February, against 1.59 million in the same month in 2003.

The group's load factor - how full its aircraft were - during the month remained flat at 89 per cent against the same period last year.

EasyJet said it remained "cautiously optimistic" about the airline's performance in the current year.

The company's rivals BA and Ryanair have both reported overall rises in passenger numbers for February.

BA said its figures were higher partly due to the negative impact of the Iraq war and extra security at Heathrow in February last year.

Monday March 08, 2004