Low-cost airline easyJet has enjoyed a better-than-expected summer after an advertising campaign boosted sales and it benefited from cheaper fuel.

The Luton-based operator, which is Europe’s fourth-biggest short-haul carrier, said pre-tax profits would be between £280m and £300m in the year to September 30, up from previous guidance of £272m and last year’s £248m.

The group said revenue per seat was up 5% at £57.58, driven by the success of its "Europe by easyJet" adverts, which feature images from award winning photographer Elaine Constantine and music by Liverpudlian indie band The Wombats.

The improved performance combined with a drop in the price of fuel, which had spiked in March amid increasing tensions between Iran and the West.