EasyJet counts on failed rivals to boost big-city routes

EasyJet is counting on the failure of 3 rival carriers to help accelerate its expansion into major European markets, bringing a silver lining to a fare war that depressed full-year earnings. The impact of a weaker pound should also ease, while fuel costs are set to decline, EasyJet said Friday. Monarch Airlines, its neighbour at Luton, went into administration this week, while Air Berlin and Alitalia filed for insolvency over the summer. “The current turmoil in the sector provides EasyJet with opportunities to capitalise on its strong customer proposition and grow and strengthen our positions in Europe’s leading airports still further,” CE Carolyn McCall said. EasyJet has been battling for market share after low oil prices encouraged European carriers to splurge on seating, spurring price drops that contributed to the demise of its rivals. <br/>