Irish transport minister Seamus Brennan says Aer Lingus may be set for partial privatisation next year, after it forecast a €40 million ($39 million) profit this year. A share offering planned last year was shelved after the airline market plunged and Aer Lingus sank into the red, showing €140 million losses for the year. But chief executive Willie Walsh says cost-cutting measures have reduced expenses faster than planned, and although the airline lost money in the first half of this year, "the outlook for the year is positive". A further cost-cutting plan will aim to reduce distribution costs by encouraging internet sales and lowering commission rates, saving €130 million. The savings may allow the carrier to reopen services to three European destinations and Baltimore next year.
Source: Flight International
