British Airways’ surprise profit, Finnair’s unsurprising loss. A contrast in styles

Oneworld partners, British Airways and Finnair are each beset by significant challenges, not least labour unrest and a need to cut costs. Despite this, BA managed to restore some respectability to its bottom line in the Dec-2009 quarter. The carrier unveiled an operating profit of GBP25 million (EUR28.6 million) in the three months ended 31-Dec-2009 (against a loss of GBP51 million in the same period last year), while Finnair reported an operating loss of EUR39.4 million (a significant widening from a EUR13.7 million loss in the Dec-2008 quarter). BA's greater ability to draw on its partnerships arrangements may give it the vital edge, as economic conditions remain testing.