EasyJet passenger numbers rise 18 percent in Oct

EasyJet PLC, Europe's second largest discount airline, said Thursday it carried 18 percent more passengers this October than it did in the same month last year, helped by acquisitions of rivals in the face of an economic downturn.

The airline's passenger numbers have risen consistently since it took over rival British carrier GB Airways Ltd. earlier this year. The 104 million pound takeover allowed EasyJet to increase flight offerings from its key London Gatwick base.

…