Aer Lingus load factor down

Aer Lingus carried 852,000 passengers in June, an increase of just over 10% on the same month last year but the load factor or percentage of seats filled - fell back 1.2 points to 80.1%.

Short-haul capacity increased in June 2007 compared to June 2006 through the introduction of three additional aircraft.

Long-haul capacity also increased in June 2007 following the introduction of an additional aircraft, with a second entering service for the last few days of the month.

Chief executive of Aer Lingus Dermot Mannion said: "The passenger numbers and load factors represent a robust performance in a period of significant capacity increases.

"For the first time in 6 years, Aer Lingus has increased its long-haul capacity and has positioned itself to avail of the substantial growth opportunities presented by Open Skies”.