Despite a 10% drop in passenger numbers due to disruptions caused by snow and ash clouds, Aer Lingus has posted a return to profit in 2010. However, the airline warned that higher fuel prices meant that 2011 operating profit will fall.
In 2010, Aer Lingus overall revenue rose 1% to €1.22 billion, while a 10% drop in operating costs helped the airline change a €154.8 million loss to a pre-tax profit of €30.4 million. Operations generated €46.5 million and there was net cash of €310 million. Although Aer Lingus posted loss in the fourth quarter, it was much lower than the fourth quarter of 2009.
The 2010 loss also includes the €32.5 million provision for tax and costs relating to the redundancies of staff who immediately took other jobs at the airline.