Profits fall as staff and fuel costs rise

FIRST-half profits at Aer Lingus have fallen as increased fuel and staff costs offset a rise in passengers.

Operating profits in the six months to end June fell to €3.6 million from €10.6m in the same period of last year. The airline said the reason for the fall was a 28% rise in its fuel bill and a €16m rise in staff costs.

Aer Lingus chief executive Dermot Mannion said the trading outlook was encouraging and the second half of the year was traditionally when the airline made the bulk of its profits.