Business travel boosts Aer Lingus

Revenue from Aer Lingus’s long-haul routes jumped by almost a quarter in the first quarter of 2012 compared to last year.

Aer Lingus’s earnings on its long-haul routes, most of which serve the US, grew to €52.7m from €42.3m. The airline noted that performance was ahead of expectation. The long-haul business class offering was particularly popular representing 28% of long-haul revenue.

Aer Lingus chief executive Christoph Müller said the company had experienced an encouraging start to what is usually the loss-making phase of an airline’s year by focusing on delivering for business travellers.