Aer Lingus long-haul business class offering boosts revenue

Aer Lingus flights on its long-haul routes have helped the airline earn impressive revenues. The airline disclosed that revenue from its long-haul routes have increased by almost a quarter in Q1 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011.

The airline in a recent statement said that its earnings on its long-haul routes, mostly serving the U.S., have increased to $67.19 million (52.7 million Euros) from $53.93 million (42.3 million Euros).

According to Aer Lingus, its performance was beyond expectation. The airline’s revenue from its long-haul routes was 28 percent through its business class offering. 

The airline stated that despite strong growth in long-haul revenue, the earnings through short-haul flights were weaker than expected. The airline’s short-haul passenger revenues increased 12.6 percent to $189.84 (148.9 million Euros).

The airline’s operating expenses grew 5.9 percent with lower aircraft hire charges significantly helping it to offset a fuel bill that was 31 percent higher than the previous year.