British low-cost airline easyJet said its passenger volumes climbed over 22 percent in September to 4.2 million, highlighting continued strong growth among budget carriers despite the economic downturn.

The company also said in a statement on Monday its load factor was up year on year at 86.9 percent, while year-to-date passenger growth was up 17.3 percent.

The performance echoed an equally positive result from rival Ryanair, which said on Friday its September passenger numbers grew 20 percent. However, both airlines have warned of slowing consumer demand over the winter months.

British Airways showed on Friday that more expensive flying is suffering, with premium class travel down 8.6 percent in September and passenger numbers down 4.8 percent overall.

EasyJet shares closed on Friday at 327-3/4 pence, valuing the company at EUR1.4 billion pounds (USD$2.5 billion). The shares are down by around 46 percent for the year so far as airlines battle the twin threat of high fuel costs and impending recession.