Finnair, the leading Finnish airline, announced on Friday that it has successfully turned a profit in the second quarter. The company reported a net profit of €138.6 million ($154.3 million), a significant turnaround from the €279.5 million loss incurred during the same period last year. This impressive performance can be attributed to robust travel demand and the implementation of cost-saving measures.
In addition to the positive financial results, Finnair highlighted several key factors that contributed to its improved outlook. CEO Topi Manner mentioned that strategic network choices, efficient capacity allocation, increased direct distribution in sales, and enhanced cost efficiency have played a crucial role in driving the company’s success.
As a result of these accomplishments, Finnair is optimistic about its long-term prospects. The carrier’s previously set target of achieving a comparable operating profit margin of at least 5% from mid-2024 is now expected to be reached 12-18 months ahead of schedule. Moreover, Finnair anticipates that the margin will escalate to 6% by the end of 2025.
Although the aviation industry has gradually recovered from the impact of the pandemic, challenges related to inflation and rising interest rates persist. Finnair acknowledges that these factors could potentially affect both demand and costs, thereby creating uncertainty in the operating environment.
Looking ahead, Finnair anticipates a significant increase in revenue in 2023 compared to the previous year. However, it is worth noting that the company does not expect to reach the pre-pandemic revenue levels of 2019.
For the current year, Finnair projects a comparable operating result between €150 million and €210 million. This forecast is slightly lower than initial expectations, which aimed to surpass the 2019 operating level of €162.8 million.
Despite ongoing uncertainties, Finnair remains confident in its ability to navigate the evolving market landscape successfully. With a solid financial performance and an improved long-term outlook, the company is well-positioned for sustained growth and profitability.