BA profits soar to £164m

03/02/2006 - 07:30:24
British Airways today posted better-than-expected profits after “significant” promotional activity and demand for premium seats boosted passenger numbers.

The carrier said pre-tax profits rose 8.6% to £164m (€241.2m) in the third quarter of its financial year to December 31, despite the impact of sky-high fuel costs.

The figure was ahead of forecasts and compared with a 1.9% increase in the first nine months of BA's financial year.

Newly-appointed chief executive Willie Walsh said: “These are encouraging results which reflect better revenue and the continued efforts of our people to strengthen the business.”