Air Berlin to reduce fleet size to improve operating profit by EUR200m

Air Berlin stated (20-Sep-2011) it plans to reduce its fleet size from 170 aircraft to 152 aircraft in summer 2012 as part of efforts to improve its operating profit by EUR200 million. The measures will be conducted through its earnings improvement programme, 'shape & size'. With the fleet reduction, the carrier stated it would reduce flight hours by only 4%, meaning productivity per aircraft will increase. On the outlook, Air Berlin noted: "In light of the actual, volatile, economic development, a statement with respect to the further performance of the 2011 year is currently difficult to make". Air Berlin will publish further detailed information on 'shape & size' later today. [more - original PR]