Air Berlin’s Net Profits Climb Up and Away

In the third quarter of 2007, the Air Berlin Group transported 12 percent more passengers than during the corresponding quarter of the previous year, increased its fleet capacity utilization by 2.3 percentage points, raised its sales volume by 7.2 percent and, with net profit exceeding 60 million euros, achieved the highest quarterly net profit in its corporate history.

However, Management is not entirely satisfied with this performance. Due to the delayed LTU acquisition, the envisioned synergy effects did not reach their full potential. One-time charges for integration and restructuring totaled 13 million euros.

The Group consisting of Air Berlin, DBA and LTU (the latter included for the months of August and September) increased its seating capacity in the third quarter of 2007 by 8.9 percent in comparison with the corresponding quarter of the previous year. The fleet increased to 126 aircraft from 118.

The number of passengers welcomed on board increased by 12 percent, and with 8.08 million passengers transported, the seat load factor improved from 81.5 to 83.7 percent.

Sales volume increased from 799.9 million euros to 857.6 million euros, up 7.2 percent. Whereas EBITDAR (Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and leasing expenses) increased by 12.5 percent from 155.4 million euros to 174.8 million euros.

“We have now laid the foundations for optimally positioning ourselves strategically for the future. As of now, we will concentrate on cutting additional costs. 2008 will be the year of increased profit for the Air Berlin Group,” CEO Joachim Hunold pointed out.