Virgin Blue issues profit warning, shares dive
Virgin Blue's shares fell 2.3% yesterday to AUD0.415, having dropped as much as 5% in early trade, after the carrier revealed first half profit could fall more than 50% year-on-year, due to a slowdown in consumer spending, the Sep-2010 booking system meltdown and fuel hedging losses.
Second half profits could also be hit by an expected AUD40 million shortfall in revenue as tourism to flood-affected Queensland (the carrier's home market) slows.
The airline expects net profit for the six months to 31-Dec-2010 to fall to AUD23 million-26 million, down from AUD62.5 million last year.
Qantas' shares eased 0.4, while Air New Zealand, which acquired a strategic stake in Virgin Blue less than a week ago, rose 2.1% yesterday.
Asia Pacific airline shares performance: 25-Jan-2011
