Ebookers cut Q3 losses by £1.9m

Online travel business ebookers today said 360 job cuts had helped it to slash third-quarter losses by 39% to £1.9m (€2.7m).

The group, which has websites in 13 European countries and brands including Flightbookers, Bridge The World and The Adventure Company, announced in March that it was planning the cuts and an overhaul of its business to reduce costs.

It said the moves had helped it to improve profitability despite continued investment in technology and non air-focused businesses.

Group profit before exceptionals and other items increased by 30% to £1.3m (€1.8m), while gross sales lifted by 9.6% to £159m (€227m) between July and September on an 11% rise in turnover to £20.1m (€28.7m).

Chief executive Dinesh Dhamija said fourth-quarter trading to date remained satisfactory and the recovery of the European mid and long-haul travel market looked set to continue through 2005.