Aer Lingus reports first-half loss

Irish airline Aer Lingus yesterday posted a first-half operating loss, predicted a loss for the full year and said high costs threatened the long-term viability of its business.

Aer Lingus made an operating loss of 22.3 million euros in the first six months of 2008, compared with a 2.6 million euro profit a year ago and a loss of 34.7 million euros expected by an average of three analysts surveyed by Reuters.

"It is now clear that we will require further fundamental changes in our operating cost base in order to minimize losses in 2009 and to help ensure the long-term viability of the business," Chief Executive Dermot Mannion said.