Aer Lingus expects 2011 to be profitable

AER LINGUS is optimistic that it will record an overall profit for 2011, despite reporting a 46% increase in its operating losses for the first six months of the year.

The airline attributed industrial action by staff at the start of the year for its operating loss of €27.8 million for the first half of 2011 compared to the €19m loss recorded over the same period in 2010.

Aer Lingus shares closed up 9.3% at 64.50 cents on the prospect of a profitable year.