Air New Zealand's 1H earnings tumble as rising fuel and waning tourism crimp returns

Air New Zealand's 1H earnings tumble as rising fuel and waning tourism crimp returns
Rebecca Howard
By Rebecca Howard Feb. 28 (BusinessDesk) - Air New Zealand reported a 35 percent fall in pre-tax earnings in the first half as a spike in fuel prices, softer tourism and disruptions due to issues with the Rolls-Royce engines took their toll. The national carrier reported earnings before taxation of $211 million in the six months through December versus $323 million in the prior year and a net profit of $152 million versus $232 million in the prior year. Operating revenue was $2.9 billion, up 7.1 percent.  Passenger revenue increased by...