British low cost airline Easyjet has announced a profit of £7 million in the six months to March 31, compared with losses of £53 million last year.

The airline said cheaper fuel, a weaker euro and "a strong finish" to the ski season helped gain half-year profit.

Total revenue per seat increased by 2.6% compared with last year, stripping out movements in currencies.

Carolyn McCall, Easyjet’s chief executive said "The profit in the half reflects the delivery of our customer focused revenue initiatives and a strong finish to the ski season as well as the benefit we received from the lower fuel price and favourable foreign exchange movements,"

"As we enter the important summer season forward bookings are in line with last year and as we predicted passengers are benefiting as fares fall to reflect a more competitive operating environment and lower fuel costs."

"There is an element here of repeat customers, so 58% of customers are rebooking, and 62% of business passengers are rebooking."