A bus carrying passengers passes an Easyjet aircraft at Cointrin airport in Geneva
EasyJet successfully tested a new ash detector system called AVOID on Wednesday that could put an end to future travel chaos in the wake of volcanic eruptions. REUTERS

Shares in easyJet were up on the FTSE 250 in morning trading after the budget airline said it had reached an "important milestone" in passenger numbers.

The group said that in the last 12 months it had flown 50 million passengers, the highest figure in the airline's 15 year history.

Carolyn McCall, Chief Executive of easyJet, said, "To carry 50 million passengers each year is a great achievement and is testament to the great service our people deliver on-board. easyJet has a strong position delivering low-fares, flying people to where they want to go to, at convenient times with friendly service. We aim to provide an easier travel experience for all our passengers, and look forward to our continued growth over the coming years."

By 09:25 shares in easyJet were up 1.37 per cent on the FTSE 250 to 384.50 pence per share.

FTSE