EasyJet’s new policy of allocating specific seats on its flights is paying dividends.
Pre-tax profits rose by a whopping 51%, reaching £478m.
Chief executive Carolyn McCall said allowing passengers to book their seats had had a big impact on profitability.
"It's a nice, calmer boarding process, and a lot of people have taken up the option," she said.
In addition to assigning seats, easyJet pointed to growth in Europe and its takeover of Flybe’s slots at Gatwick which helped increase profits.
By the close of its financial year in September, 60.8 million people had chosen to fly on easyJet. Last year, the carrier realised a profit of 7.03 on each seat, up from £4.81 per seat in 2012.
The airline hopes to increase passenger numbers in 2014, but admits it will be difficult and that bookings for the first half of the year are flat so far.
