Kerry Airport made a profit after tax of €199,070 last year, or just under €1.20 for every passenger who used the airport.

Revenues were €4.5 million, representing an increase of 18 per cent. The airport reported an operating loss of €644,600, but the loss was offset by a marketing grant from the Government of €444,408 and the Airport Development Fee levied on passengers, which raised €372,524. Passenger numbers rose to 166,738 from 156,491.

"This is the first time we have achieved what could be considered realistic retention, taking into account ongoing and future commitments in developing the business," said the company chairman Mr Denis Cregan in the annual report.

Last year was the first year that Aer Lingus did not fly into Kerry, but the airport benefited from a number of initiatives involving low cost airlines and regional airlines providing services under the Government's public service contracts.

The passenger load factor on the Dublin/Kerry service provided by Aer Arann Express grew from 70 per cent to 76 per cent. The company has also entered into a 10-year agreement with Ryanair, which will provide a twice daily service during the summer from Stansted, falling to once daily in the winter.

Kontiki Saga/Crossair will continue its Kerry/Zurich service for another year.

The company will not be paying a dividend - despite recording earnings per share of 51.81 cents.