Aer Lingus loss mounts four-fold

Operating losses at Aer Lingus quadrupled in 2009, according to an unaudited trading update issued after the Irish airline postponed publishing full results in a standoff with staff over cost-cutting measures.

Aer Lingus, which has fended off two hostile bids by Irish rival Ryanair, is reeling from aviation's worst year on record and saw its operating loss rise to €81 million (Dh405m) from €20m in 2008.

Total revenue at the airline declined 11 per cent to €1.2 billion as ancillary revenues – fees charged for services such as checking bags – helped cushion reduced passenger fares and cargo revenues.

Total passengers for the year rose 3.8 per cent to 10.4 million – less than a sixth of the number carried by Ryanair.

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