Aer Lingus Sees 2008 Net Loss

February 5, 2009

Aer Lingus will report a net loss for 2008 after exceptional charges for restructuring are factored in, Chief Financial Officer Sean Coyle said on Thursday.

"There will be a net profit before exceptionals and exceptional items will bring the company to a loss," Coyle said.

Coyle declined to say what the exceptional charge would be but said analysts' estimates for a net profit pre-exceptional items of around EUR20 million euros were in line with previous company guidance.

Rival Ryanair last month walked away from a 1.40 euro a share bid for Aer Lingus after Ireland's government, which owns 25 percent of the former state carrier, rejected the offer on competition grounds.