Tough but jet2 holding up

Dart Group, owner of budget airline Jet2.com and Ryanair's main rival at Leeds Bradford, reported a slump in half year profits reflecting tough trading conditions in the airline sector.

By The Newsroom

Published 2nd Feb 2010, 10:55 BST

Updated 2nd Feb 2010, 10:55 BST

But at a time when nation-al carrier BA has reported its biggest ever loss, analysts said the Leeds-based group has held up relatively well.

Jet2.com's pre-tax profits in the six months to September 30 fell 23 per cent to 28.1m.

The airline has continued to focus on its core leisure routes from its bases in the North, which include Leeds Bradford, Manchester, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Belfast and Blackpool.

It has also increased services to Eastern Mediterranean destinations.

The airline flew 2.2 million scheduled passengers in the half year, down slightly from 2.3 million last year.