Aer Lingus owner profits up 35% amid boost across sector

Major airline groups including Aer Lingus owner IAG have reported strong earnings for the first half of the year, boosting faith in a sector which is finally taking off for investors.

IAG, led by Willie Walsh, said its operating profit for the six months was €975m, an increase of €265m from last year. Its shares have climbed 35% since the start of the year. The group, which owns British Airways, Iberia, Vueling, as well as Aer Lingus, is valued at £12.3bn (€13.8bn).

Also reporting a strong performance was Air France-KLM, with a second-quarter operating profit of €496m. Its shares have soared 125% this year, valuing the airline at €3.5bn.