Longhaul boosts Aer Lingus profits
An increase in long-haul flights boosted Aer Lingus operating profit by 18% to €72 million (£52.76m) last year, however a one-off charge to its pension fund meant it made an overall pre-tax loss of €180 million.
The airline saw a 28% rise in revenue from long-haul passengers during the year, when the average fare per seat rose more than 7%.
It said that switching its Heathrow base from Terminal  to Terminal 2 had resulted in a major improvement for passengers.
Announcing the results this morning, the Aer Lingus management repeated its support for a takeover of the airline by British Airways’ parent IAG.
Aer Lingus chairman Colm Barrington said: "To enhance these excellent results and to accelerate Aer Lingus’ growth, it is the board’s strong belief that the company should now take the opportunity to combine with IAG."
However, the Irish government, which owns 25% of Aer Lingus, and Ryanair, which owns almost 30%, have yet to agree to IAG’s offer.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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