Ebookers sees first full-year profit

Online travel firm ebookers today unveiled its first full-year profit in 2003 and said that bookings made over the Internet rose by 70% in the first quarter of 2004, compared to the same period a year ago.

The firm said pre-tax profits for 2003 were £1.3m (€1.9m). Including exceptionals and goodwill, the group made a pre-tax loss of £14.9m (€22.7m), compared with a £12.3m (€18.3m) loss in 2002.