Portuguese airline TAP posted a rare net profit in the third quarter on strong revenue and helped by currency hedging, but said visibility for next year remained low.
Details
The state-owned company, which is undergoing restructuring, reported a profit of €111 million versus a loss of 134.5 million a year earlier.
TAP's operating revenue jumped to €1.1 billion from €444 million a year earlier, predominantly driven by increased fares and higher capacity as demand for travel returned in force after the lifting of COVID restrictions, even amid galloping inflation.
Recurring earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of €280 million were above pre-pandemic levels.
"TAP is confirming its strong performance in the third quarter with all financial metrics above pre-crisis levels, despite further increased fuel costs," chief executive officer Christine Ourmieres-Widener said in a statement.
She added that although demand for the fourth-quarter remains very strong, "visibility for next year is, however, still low and given the uncertain environment it is ever more crucial to focus on our strategic plan which has proven its effectiveness so far".
Recue Plan
TAP's restructuring under a Brussels-approved €3.2 billion rescue plan includes downsizing its fleet, cutting more than 2,900 jobs and reducing wages of most workers by up to 25%. It also must wind down its aircraft maintenance business in Brazil.
The CEO said in September TAP was delivering on its goals, making itself more attractive to a potential international partner, while it was up to the government to decide whether and when to re-privatise TAP
As part of the plan TAP has to achieve positive operating results in 2023 and a net annual profit in 2025, recovering from a record loss of €1.6 billion in 2021.
News by Reuters, edited by Hospitality Ireland. Click subscribe to sign up for the Hospitality Ireland print edition.
