FIRST CUT: Air NZ first-half pretax profit soars 132% on lower fuel prices, tourism

FIRST CUT: Air NZ first-half pretax profit soars 132% on lower fuel prices, tourism
Fiona Rotherham
By Fiona Rotherham Feb. 25 (BusinessDesk) - Air New Zealand posted a 132 percent increase in first-half pretax profit as the country’s national airline carrier benefits from lower jet fuel prices, efficiencies from its new fleet, and a rise in tourist numbers. Pretax earnings rose to $457 million in the six months ended Dec. 31, from $216 million a year earlier, the Auckland-based company said in a statement. The company forecast earnings of $400 million, excluding any equity accounting contribution from its 26 per cent stake in Virgin Au...