Easyjet lifts profit forecast and pays special dividend

Image caption, Easyjet said its commercial performance had been "robust"

Low-cost airline Easyjet has increased its estimate for full-year profits and announced a special dividend for shareholders.

The carrier said its performance had been "robust", helped by an increase in business travellers.

It now expects annual profits of 拢240m-拢250m, up from a previous forecast of 拢200m-拢230m made in July.

Easyjet shares jumped 7% after it said it would add a special dividend of 35p to its 9p a share annual dividend.

The latest profit guidance means the airline's profits could be up to 40% higher than the 拢179m analysts were forecasting earlier this year.

"Easyjet's commercial performance continues to be robust across the network, with particular strength on city routes used by business and short-break leisure travellers," the airline said.

Earlier this year, Easyjet altered its strategy to try to attract more business passengers, and in July it said that had led to a 20% increase in business travellers on its flights.

Despite the strong performance, Easyjet warned that its fuel bill for next year was expected to be 拢220m higher than in 2011.