Aer Lingus hopes to break even in 2010
IRISH airline Aer Lingus said it expected to at least break even in 2010, after first-half trading was boosted by strong revenues and lower fuel and staff costs.
The former state carrier, which has been cutting costs to survive competition from former suitor and shareholder Ryanair, said trading in June was stronger than expected.
“Recent yield performance and long haul load factors have exceeded our expectations and the forward booking profile suggests that this strength should continue for at least the third quarter,” the airline said.
Provided there are no significant disruptions such as the ones caused by the volcanic ash crisis, it said it expects “its 2010 operating result (before exceptional items) should be no worse than break even.”
For the first six months, average long haul fares increased by 17.4 per cent over the prior year supported by improved business class performance. It said it was too early to provide guidance for 2011.
Looking forward, the company said that recent yield performance and long haul load factors had exceeded its expectations and it expected this trend to continue for at least the third quarter