Aer Lingus today said trading in the third quarter of this year had surpassed expectations.
The airline said it now expects to report a full year operating profit, before exceptional items, at the top end of market forecasts. Aer Lingus posted a loss of €20.8 million for the first six months of this year.
However, it warned that industrial action announced by cabin crew and potential action by pilots could impact on the group’s financial performance.
The cabin crew, members of the trade union Impact, are engaged in industrial action today over roster arrangements and have threatened to go on strike if the airline disciplines any member taking part.
In a trading update to the Irish Stock Exchange Aer Lingus said September had been particularly strong because of improved yields and that forward revenues suggested October and November trading would also surpass expectations.
However, it warned that the forecast for December and early 2011 appeared weaker than anticipated.
It said completion of the Greenfield cost reduction programme, from which the industrial action has arisen, remains vital if profitability is to be sustained into 2011 and for the longer-term.
Shares in Aer Lingus were trading at €1.14 at 12.30, down half of 1 per cent.
