Airline hopes to beat profit forecast

Dublin: Aer Lingus expects to beat its full-year profit forecast, Chief Executive Willie Walsh said. The state-owned airline said passenger numbers increased as the airline cut costs by 30% and reduced fares.

Aer Lingus expected earnings before interest and tax of at least 75 million in 2003, Mr Walsh told an air transport conference in London. The airline is also adopting an all-Airbus fleet and expects half of bookings to be made over the internet by the end of the year in further cost-cutting moves.

Rise in exemption threshold urged/