Austrian Airlines posts half-year loss

AUSTRIAN Airlines posted a nett loss of €79,1m (R634,5m) for the six months ended June 30 compared with a nett loss of €41m (R328,8m) during the same period last year. The airline said the loss is mainly due to high fuel prices, overcapacity in the market and a weak load factor. The airline’s operating expenses increased 8,1% to €1,18bn (R9,5bn) as fuel expense jumped 42,1% to €181,7m (R1,5bn). (Dorine Berger)