Air NZ forecasts 85% jump in first-half pretax earnings to $400M

Air NZ forecasts 85% jump in first-half pretax earnings to $400M
Fiona Rotherham
By Fiona Rotherham Oct. 7 (BusinessDesk) - Air New Zealand, the country’s national carrier, said increased passenger demand will drive an 85 percent jump in first-half earnings before tax to $400 million. The forecast profit is up from $216 million achieved in the first half of last year and excludes any equity-accounted contribution from its stake in Virgin Australia. Chairman Tony Carter told shareholders at the airline’s annual meeting in Auckland that significant earnings growth had been achieved in the first quarter of this financ...