logo
Air France-KLM's Q2 profit rises, helped by premium sales

Air France-KLM's Q2 profit rises, helped by premium sales

Reuters3 days ago
LONDON, July 31 (Reuters) - Air France-KLM (AIRF.PA), opens new tab reported higher second-quarter operating profit on Thursday, citing strong bookings for its premium services even as the sector frets about the knock-on effects from U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff war.
Europe's major airlines have been watching for a possible dip in transatlantic travel as European travellers have shied away from booking trips to the United States this year.
But Air France-KLM highlighted its strategy focused on a new first-class cabin and strong sales for its premium economy cabin, particularly for KLM.
"We are advancing premiumization, pushing the boundaries of aspirational travel with enhanced products and services," Chief Executive Ben Smith said in a statement.
Second-quarter operating profit rose to 736 million euros ($845 million) from 513 million euros for the same quarter last year. That was broadly in line with the 760 million euros expected in an analyst poll compiled by LSEG.
The summer travel season is a key test of how well pricing power and booking trends are holding up for carriers like Air France-KLM heading into the second half of the year.
Air France-KLM previously said it had cut some economy fares to remain competitive. Still, it confirmed its outlook for the full-year.
($1 = 0.8713 euros)
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Major UK high street bank quits UN-backed net zero alliance as it says body ‘not fit for purpose'
Major UK high street bank quits UN-backed net zero alliance as it says body ‘not fit for purpose'

The Sun

time4 hours ago

  • The Sun

Major UK high street bank quits UN-backed net zero alliance as it says body ‘not fit for purpose'

A MAJOR high street bank has become the latest British lender to quit the Net Zero Banking Alliance, the bank said on Friday. Barclays argued that the departure of several global lenders has left it no longer fit to support the bank's green transition. Barclays' decision to quit the foremost banking alliance focused on tackling climate change follows on from HSBC and several major US banks. It also raises questions about the ability of the group to influence change in the sector going forward. The bank said in a statement on its website: "After consideration, we have decided to withdraw from the Net Zero Banking Alliance." It added that its commitment to be net zero by 2050 remained unchanged and that it still saw a commercial opportunity for itself and its clients in the energy transition. Earlier this week Barclays published the first update on its sustainability strategy in several years. It said the bank made £500 million in revenue from sustainable and low-carbon transition finance in 2024. Jeanne Martin, co-director of corporate engagement at responsible investment NGO ShareAction called the decision to leave the Net Zero Banking Alliance "incredibly disappointing and a step in the wrong direction at a time when the dangers of climate change are rapidly mounting." Barclays said the alliance was no longer fit for its purpose: "With the departure of most of the global banks, the organisation no longer has the membership to support our transition." The Net Zero Banking Alliance, a global initiative launched by the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative, lists more than 100 members on its website - including leading international financial institutions. A spokesperson for the alliance said it remains focused on "supporting its members to lead on climate by addressing the barriers preventing their clients from investing in the net-zero transition." It comes after it was announced that Barclays is slashing interest rates on its popular Rainy Day for the third time in less than seven months. From August 4, the interest rate for balances up to £5,000 will fall from 4.61% to 4.36%. The Rainy Day Saver account, which offers easy access to funds, has been a favourite among Barclays ' 20 million customers. It is designed for balances up to £5,000, with savers earning the higher rate on the first £5,000 – currently 4.61%. Savings above this threshold earn just 1% interest, but customers benefit from instant access to their money at any time. At the current rate, holding £5,000 in the account would earn you £230.50 in interest over 12 months. However, when the rate drops to 4.36%, this will fall to £218 - a loss of £12.50 per year. Once boasting a competitive 5.12% interest rate earlier this year, Barclays has steadily chipped away at its appeal. In February, the rate dropped to 4.87%, followed by another cut in April to 4.61%. In February, the bank reduced the rate to 4.87%, followed by another cut in April to 4.61%. Now, just months later, rates are set to drop again, leaving savers questioning whether to stick with the account or explore better options elsewhere. How Barclay Card Changes Could Affect You ANALYSIS by Consumer Reporter, James Flanders: Barclaycard's change to its credit card repayment structure sounds great if you don't dig into the details. After all, Barclaycard says it's "making the changes to give you greater flexibility each month". In practice, it means that if you can't afford to pay off your balance in full at the end of each statement period, you can repay much less under the minimum repayment option than you have done previously. If you only pay the minimum amounts on occasion, this is super useful. But if you rely on this type of repayment plan in the long term, it could will cost you hundreds of pounds extra in interest. It could also negatively affect your credit file as it'll take you much longer to clear your debt. More interest will be applied to your outstanding balance, too, as less is paid down each month. For example, if you have a balance of £5,000 on a Barclaycard at 24% interest, where you only make the minimum payments and don't spend on the card. Under the old "2.5% of the balance plus the interest charged" rule, it would take around 14 years to clear the balance. In total, you'd expect to pay about £3,500 in interest. But with the new "1% of the balance plus the interest charged" calculation, it will take over 30 years to clear the same balance. You'd then end up paying a whopping £8,500 in interest. Before taking out a new credit card or increasing the amount you borrow, it's vital to consider the consequences. You should only borrow money if you can afford to pay it back. It's always vital to ask yourself if you actually need to borrow before committing to a new credit card, personal loan or overdraft. If you use a credit card, I'd recommend that you always pay off your balance in full at the end of each statement period. Lenders have a responsibility to help customers who are in debt. If you're in a debt crisis, your first point of call should be your lender. They might help you out by offering you a reduced interest rate or a temporary payment holiday - so check in with your lender if you're struggling.

Man United prepared to take MASSIVE HIT on Rasmus Hojlund this summer as they continue pursuit of Benjamin Sesko - just two years after signing the Dane for £72m
Man United prepared to take MASSIVE HIT on Rasmus Hojlund this summer as they continue pursuit of Benjamin Sesko - just two years after signing the Dane for £72m

Daily Mail​

time4 hours ago

  • Daily Mail​

Man United prepared to take MASSIVE HIT on Rasmus Hojlund this summer as they continue pursuit of Benjamin Sesko - just two years after signing the Dane for £72m

Manchester United have opened the door to selling Rasmus Hojlund for £30million – two years after he joined the club in a deal worth up to £72m from Atalanta. United want to sign a new striker this summer and are involved in a tug-of-war with Newcastle over RB Leipzig centre-forward Benjamin Sesko. It has cast doubt over Hojlund's future at Old Trafford, with United ready to take a massive hit under profit and sustainability rules. The initial fee when the Denmark international signed in 2023 was £64m and he is two years into a five-year contract, so his book value should be around the £45m mark. Hojlund has been linked with a return to Italy and as a possible replacement for Sesko at Leipzig, but would prefer to stay at United. 'I think my plan is very clear and that is for me to stay and fight for my spot whatever happens,' he said after scoring in the 4-1 win over Bournemouth on the club's US tour in Chicago earlier this week. However, United need to sell players to help pay for new signings and manager Ruben Amorim was unable to give any guarantees over Hojlund's future, saying: 'I am really happy with Rasmus, but I don't know what is going to happen until the end of the market.' Hojlund has scored 26 goals in 95 games for United, but hit the net just four times in the Premier League last season. The club have decided to bring in a new striker this summer after spending more than £130m on Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo who will make his debut against Everton in Atlanta on Sunday night.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store