Airline and holidays company Jet2 is on track to grow full-year operating profits despite customers leaving it later to book.

Steve Heapy, chief executive of the Leeds Bradford Airport-based firm, says an annual overseas holiday "remains a cherished priority" for many people and can trump other discretionary spending. His comments came as Jet2 - which is listed on the London Stock Exchange - posted a 5% rise in half year revenue to £5.34bn and a 2% rise in half year operating profit to £715.2m in the six months to the end of September. Full-year operating profit is expected to be about £453m.

On sale seat capacity for the carrier's winter schedule was 7.7% higher than last winter at 5.5m seats - which was seen to be a continuation of late booking experienced during the summer. Bosses des

See Full Page