El Al quarterly loss widens on competition
Israeli airline posts first-quarter net loss of $32.5 million; CEO says company implementing plan to lower costs, reduce size of its staff
Israel's flag carrier said on Monday it had a quarterly net loss of $32.5 million, compared with a loss of $23.3 million a year ago.
Revenue rose to $431 million from $429.1 million. Revenue from passengers increased 2% while revenue from its cargo business fell 11.5%.
Operating costs rose 1% to $393.1 million as its jet fuel expenses grew by 4.8%.
El Al is implementing a plan to lower costs and reduce the size of its staff, Chief Executive Elyezer Shkedy said.
In response to trends in global markets, El Al's board has approved the start of short haul flights using four Boeing 737-800 jets beginning no later than the summer of 2014. The destinations have yet to be determined.
Its load factor – a measure of seats sold – rose to 81.7% from 81.2%, while its market share at Ben-Gurion International Airport slipped to 34.7%.
El Al is controlled by Knafaim Holdings with a 39% stake.
Last month the FIMI fund agreed to invest up to $75 million in El Al in return for up to 47% of the carrier. The deal is subject to the signing of a new labor agreement that is acceptable to FIMI, Israel's largest private investment fund.
