Irish airline Aer Lingus announces new savings plan

DUBLIN, Feb 24 (AFP) :  Irish airline Aer Lingus on Monday said it expected stable operating profits this year alongside a new savings plan that was expected to result in fewer jobs.

The outlook came as Aer Lingus said its net profit edged up to 34.1 million euros ($46.86 million) in 2013 from 33.9 million euros a year earlier. Operating profit was down 11.6 per cent to 61.1 million euros, the group said in a statement.

Aer Lingus said it expects an operating profit "broadly in line" with 2013.

Sales were up 2.3 per cent last year to 1.425 billion euros. The long haul arm of the business performed strongly, with revenue up 11.1 per cent to 381.6 million euros and passenger numbers up 12.2 per cent.

Short haul revenue for 2013 was down 3.3 per cent as "extremely good weather in Ireland and northern Europe in the peak summer period" saw people staying home for holidays.