Aer Lingus: 3Q2013 profits grow as long-haul expands, but short-haul discounting will weigh on FY

Aer Lingus saw operating profit growth in 3Q2013, after a fall in the 1H result. Nevertheless, ongoing yield weakness on short-haul led it to reiterate guidance for lower profits in FY2013 versus FY2012.

The airline's rapid Atlantic capacity expansion has met with some success, but has also provoked a dispute with cabin crew union IMPACT. Assuming this can be resolved and that wet-lease partner ASL proves to be a successful operator, its long-haul niche looks like being a source of growth.

The bigger challenge is on short-haul, where ultra-LCC rival Ryanair is pushing out lower fares in large quantities. It seems that the battle between the two is intensifying just as Ryanair is being directed to sell its 30% stake in Aer Lingus.