Upbeat CityJet makes profit of €6.5m

CityJet, the Irish-based Air France subsidiary, made an operating profit of €6.5 million on a turnover of €153 million in the year to March 31st, 2003.

The airline carried more than one million passengers during the year, with more than 65 per cent of this being through Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris.

CityJet's chief executive, Mr Geoffrey O'Byrne White, said the airline's positive performance was achieved in a difficult year and was largely due to stringent control over operating costs and a business strategy based on sustainable development of the Charles de Gaulle hub in Paris.

"We deliver air transfers to 300 destinations worldwide, within a time frame of between 45 minutes and two hours.

"The obvious attraction to passengers, particularly those within Europe, is the elimination of the need to transfer through older, more over-subscribed airports," he added.

Mr O'Byrne White said the airline had continued to invest in its service during the year with an increased number of flights from the Paris airport, a return to operating out of London City Airport, an increased workforce and new aircraft.

The airline has also set up an online booking facility.

He said the London City routes offered an opportunity to grow business in the coming year.

"Research shows that more than four million passengers take return flights from Dublin to London every year. I am confident that passengers travelling to London will opt for this service as it will be more cost effective and quicker than flying to airports on the periphery of London."

CityJet is based in Swords, Co Dublin, and employs more than 400 staff there and in Paris.

The routes serviced include: Dublin to Paris, London and Malaga; and Paris to London, Edinburgh, Florence, Gothenburg and Zurich.