BAA reports stronger Q3 sales, but profits down

British airport operator BAA reported a 1.6% fall in third quarter pre-tax profit, but stronger sales, as it remains confident that it has a solid foundation for profitable growth.

BAA, which operates seven airports including London's Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted, said sales for the nine months to December 31 increased from £1.49bn (€2.18bn) to £1.54bn (€2.26bn) the year before, while profit before tax and exceptionals was down from £448m (€655.9m), to £441m (€645.7m).