Aer Lingus has reported an operating profit of €233 million last year, an increase of €109 million compared to the previous year.
The introduction of an extra two Airbus A330s, which helped its long-haul expansion to the likes of Los Angeles and Newark, saw the airline's capacity grow by 9.6 per cent, however its passenger yields decreased, reports RTE.
IAG Group, owner of the company, said that the increase in operating profits was due to factors such as a lower fuel price environment and cost savings, which was partially offset by the revenue weakness.
Willie Walsh, IAG's chief executive, commented that Aer Lingus look forward to competing with the new Norwegian Air International transatlantic services to Ireland on price and service, describing the airline as "just another competitor". He added that there are further expansion opportunities for Aer Lingus and that it has a better cost base than Norwegian Air International.
