BAA optimistic after challenging year

British airports operator BAA overcame the impact of the London bombings and the Gate Gourmet catering dispute to post an 8% rise in operating profits today.

BAA, which is the subject of an £8.75bn (€12.9bn) takeover attempt by Spanish infrastructure group Ferrovial, said passenger numbers grew by 2% but that it was able to drive revenues by 7% to £2.23bn (€3.3bn) in light of stronger retail income and rising tariffs at its three London airports.