EasyJet has lifted its annual profit forecast, as a result of lower fuel costs and a lengthy strike at competitor Air France-KLM.
The budget carrier said its full-year pre-tax profit is now expected to be around £577.5m, up from guidance given during July's third quarter of around £557.5m.
The new full-year estimate is above analysts' expectations.
"EasyJet has continued to execute its strategy," chief executive Carolyn McCall said.
"This has enabled easyJet to deliver record profits for the fourth year in a row."
The company now intends to reward shareholders as a result.
"This will also lead to our largest every ordinary dividend payment as we are also proposing to increase the proportion of our profits after tax paid in dividends from 33% to 40%," Ms McCall said.
EasyJet said it expect the two-week strike by Air France in Septemberwould add around £5m to its revenue.
The strike cost easyJet's rival hundreds of million of euros in lost revenue.
The travel industry has long been squeezed by rising fuel costs, however in recent months benefits have been seen.
Crude oil prices have dropped around 20% since June, which has helped those with shorter hedging strategies.
On Thursday, Tui Travel cited dropping fuel prices as a factor in its improved results.
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