Jersey European Airways, the largest passenger carrier in and out of Northern Ireland, has reported pre-tax profits of £3.4 million sterling (£3.73 million) for the 12 months to the end of June 1997, an increase of more than 30 per cent on the previous year. Turnover grew by 27 per cent to nearly £95 million.

Jersey European flies from both Belfast International and Belfast City Airport to 12 UK destinations. Passenger numbers on its Northern Ireland services, which carry around 60 per cent of its 1.8 million passengers, showed a growth of 15 per cent last year.

Deputy chief executive Mr Jim French said the increase had been achieved in spite of difficult trading, including higher winter fuel prices and the strength of sterling.

He said one of the most significant developments during the year had been the discontinuation of the Belfast City to Stansted service.