Aer Lingus revenue up 7.1% in three months to end June

Aer Lingus' revenue grew by 7.1% in the three months to the end of June, but profits fell slightly.

The airline's operating profit was €34.5m, down by 10.9% over the same period last year.

Aer Lingus also lists exceptional costs of €6m during the three months to the end of June, including professional and advisory fees relating to its pension issue and IAG’s takeover offer.

Long haul revenue increased by 24.4%, with capacity up 9.7% and revenue per seat up 14.4%

Aer Lingus' CEO Stephen Kavanagh said: "I am pleased to report a profitable second quarter with Aer Lingus well positioned to deliver an improved operating performance in the key Q3 trading period and for the full year.

"The adverse effects of unfavourable FX movements on performance which were evident in this quarter will moderate in the second half of the year as a result of a higher proportion of US dollar denominated revenues.

"Both short and long haul capacity are set to expand into the peak season and we are very satisfied with forward yield and load factor profiles at this time."

Reference was made to the IAG takeover bid. In its statement this morning, the company said: "Aer Lingus is currently in an offer period as defined by the Irish Takeover Rules. The Group is therefore not issuing specific guidance with regard to 2015 operating profit performance while it remains in this offer period."