Date:19/07/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/07/19/stories/2005071902620300.htm

Back Indian Airlines Q1 net up at Rs 28.45 cr

Our Bureau

New Delhi , July 18

INDIAN Airlines (IA) has reported a net profit of Rs 28.45 crore during the first quarter of the current year, compared to Rs 5.95 crore during the same period in the previous year.

Official sources said that during the period under review the airline carried 1.9 million passengers - up from 1.7 million during the previous corresponding period.

IA reported an increase of 16.7 per cent in its expenses during the first quarter while revenues were up 18.4 per cent. The airline was able to record a better performance despite the increase in prices of aviation turbine fuel.

Officials, however, said it was still too early to predict how the year would finish and added that the improved performance was due to strict cost control measures and improved physical performance.

"The budget estimates for the whole year will be ready by the end of March. We hope to continue with this trend and end the year on a positive note," IA officials said.