Aer Lingus reports €14.3m profits

Airline Aer Lingus has reported a major turnaround in its financial position, with profits for the first half of this year standing at €14.3m.

The figure compares to losses of €12.6m and €38.1m respectively in the same periods in 2002 and 2001.

Aer Lingus also said today that an average of 80% of seats were filled during the six months to the end of June this year, an increase of 7% on the same period last year.

The company said the turnaround in fortunes was largely due to lower fares, the success of its website and a continuing drive to reduce costs.