easyJet and Ryanair report load factor reductions in Feb-2010, but passenger numbers continue to ris

easyJet reported a 12.3% increase in passenger numbers in Feb-2010, to 1.4 million, although load factors slipped 1.7 ppts to 85.3%. In the 12 months to Feb-2010, the carrier handled 46.8 million passengers (+5.2%) with an average load factor of 86.1% (+1.0 ppts). Shares in easyJet gained 2.2% yesterday.