easyJet raises profit forecast, sees record year

British no-frills airline easyJet on Wednesday predicted record high earnings after raising its forecast for full-year profits after a better-than-expected summer performance and despite rising fuel costs. The board expects pre-tax profit for the 12 months ending September 30 of between £310 million and £320 million ($499 million and $515 million, 387 million euros and 399 million euros), easyJet said in a trading statement. The previous forecast had stood at £280 million-£300 million, easyJet said in a trading statement. "EasyJet has had a strong summer performance, which has enabled us to deliver another good year of returns and growth for our shareholders," group chief executive Carolyn McCall said in a statement. She added that easyJet would deliver "its highest ever pre-tax profit for the financial year ending 30 September 2012, despite absorbing an additional £230 million in fuel costs."