But the airline warned it still faced a record annual shortfall, despite posting its first operating profit for more than a year Shares in BA, which have risen by a fifth in the last three months on news of a merger with Iberia, fell 24% today – down 5p to 2063p City analysts had expected BA to post a much greater loss of £150m for the three months to 31 December James Cooke, analyst at Panmure Gordon said: 'Today's losses were better than forecasts and we expect our full year forecasts to be adjusted accordingly' 'Year on year comparisons should improve and even though premium revenues are starting to improve, the uncertain economic outlook may slow down the speed of the revenue recovery,' he added David Buik of BGC Parners said the results were 'encouraging, if the unions can be brought to book and the pension deficit of £4bn can be accepted by Iberia' 
Share:  But the airline warned it still faced a record annual shortfall, despite posting its first operating profit for more than a year Shares in <span class="company">BA</span>, which have risen by a fifth in the last three months on news of a merger with Iberia, fell 24% today – down 5p to 2063p City analysts had expected <span class="company">BA</span> to post a much greater loss of £150m for the three months to 31 December<span class="sent"> <span class="analyst">James Cooke</span>, analyst at Panmure Gordon said: 'Today's losses were better than forecasts and we expect our full year forecasts to be adjusted accordingly' 'Year on year comparisons should improve and even though premium revenues are starting to improve, the uncertain economic outlook may slow down the speed of the revenue recovery,' he added</span> David Buik of BGC Parners said the results were 'encouraging, if the unions can be brought to book and the pension deficit of £4bn can be accepted by Iberia'...Shares in <span class="company">BA</span>, which have risen by a fifth in the last three months on news of a merger with Iberia, fell 24% today – down 5p to 2063p City analysts had expected <span class="company">BA</span> to post a much greater loss of £150m for the three months to 31 December<span class="sent"> <span class="analyst">James Cooke</span>, analyst at Panmure Gordon said: 'Today's losses were better than forecasts and we expect our full year forecasts to be adjusted accordingly' 'Year on year comparisons should improve and even though Tweet this 

But Hunter also noted that the airline also has to contend with a potential strike by cabin crew, a pension deficit, fierce competition and volatile fuel costs British Airways is locked in a dispute with cabin crew over issues including wages, job security and working conditions The Unite union has called for a strike vote by members "Today's losses were better than forecasts and we expect our full year forecasts to be adjusted accordingly," said James Cooke, analyst at Panmure Gordon "Year on year comparisons should improve and even though premium revenues are starting to improve, the uncertain economic outlook may slow down the speed of the revenue recovery" 
Share:  But Hunter also noted that the airline also has to contend with a potential strike by cabin crew, a pension deficit, fierce competition and volatile fuel costs <span class="company">British Airways</span> is locked in a dispute with cabin crew over issues including wages, job security and working conditions The Unite union has called for a strike vote by members<span class="sent"> "Today's losses were better than forecasts and we expect our full year forecasts to be adjusted accordingly," said <span class="analyst">James Cooke</span>, analyst at Panmure Gordon</span> "Year on year comparisons should improve and even though premium revenues are starting to improve, the uncertain economic outlook may slow down the speed of the revenue recovery" Tweet this 

But Hunter also noted that the airline also has to contend with a potential strike by cabin crew, a pension deficit, fierce competition and volatile fuel costs British Airways is locked in a dispute with cabin crew over issues including wages, job security and working conditions The Unite union has called for a strike vote by members "Today's losses were better than forecasts and we expect our full year forecasts to be adjusted accordingly," said James Cooke, analyst at Panmure Gordon "Year on year comparisons should improve and even though premium revenues are starting to improve, the uncertain economic outlook may slow down the speed of the revenue recovery" 
Share:  But Hunter also noted that the airline also has to contend with a potential strike by cabin crew, a pension deficit, fierce competition and volatile fuel costs <span class="company">British Airways</span> is locked in a dispute with cabin crew over issues including wages, job security and working conditions The Unite union has called for a strike vote by members<span class="sent"> "Today's losses were better than forecasts and we expect our full year forecasts to be adjusted accordingly," said <span class="analyst">James Cooke</span>, analyst at Panmure Gordon</span> "Year on year comparisons should improve and even though premium revenues are starting to improve, the uncertain economic outlook may slow down the speed of the revenue recovery" Tweet this 

The company cut mileage on regional routes to reduce its cost base Arriva said revenues in its mainland Europe division grew by 58% in the 11 months to Excluding the impact of acquisitions made in 2008, the figure was 24% higher Panmure Gordon stockbrokers said Arriva continued to trade in line with expectations Analyst James Cooke added: "The company is one of the most defensive in the sector, with the vast bulk of its profits coming from resilient UK bus and mainland European bus and rail operations 
Share:  The company cut mileage on regional routes to reduce its cost base <span class="company">Arriva</span> said revenues in its mainland Europe division grew by 58% in the 11 months to Excluding the impact of acquisitions made in 2008, the figure was 24% higher Panmure Gordon stockbrokers said <span class="company">Arriva</span> continued to trade in line with expectations<span class="sent"> Analyst <span class="analyst">James Cooke</span> added: "The company is one of the most defensive in the sector, with the vast bulk of its profits coming from resilient UK bus and mainland European bus and rail operations</span>...Excluding the impact of acquisitions made in 2008, the figure was 24% higher Panmure Gordon stockbrokers said <span class="company">Arriva</span> continued to trade in line with expectations<span class="sent"> Analyst <span class="analyst">James Cooke</span> added: "The company is one of the most defensive in the sector, with the vast bulk of its profits coming from resilient UK bus and mainland European bus and rail operations</span> The medium and long term outlook is good, supported by an order book of around £13bn and the fact that more than 60% of its revenues are from government contracts" Tweet this 

The trading update follows Monday's launch of the company's high speed Javelin rail service between London St Pancras and Kent. Earlier this month, Go Ahead jettisoned the bulk of its loss making aviation services business following deals with Servisair and Dubai based Dnata. Most of its ground handling and cargo operations at Heathrow have been sold to Dnata, while Servisair will take on operations at 11 UK airports – Aberdeen, Belfast International, Belfast Harbour, Birmingham International, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Luton, Manchester, Southampton and Stansted. The first half operating profit for the division is expected to be near to break even, compared with a loss of £1.7m a year earlier. Panmure Gordon analyst James Cooke said: "The company is in good shape and operations have held up well despite difficult economic conditions."  
Share:  The trading update follows Monday's launch of the company's high speed Javelin rail service between London St Pancras and Kent. Earlier this month, Go Ahead jettisoned the bulk of its loss making aviation services business following deals with <span class="company">Servisair</span> and Dubai based Dnata. Most of its ground handling and cargo operations at Heathrow have been sold to Dnata, while <span class="company">Servisair</span> will take on operations at 11 UK airports – Aberdeen, Belfast International, Belfast Harbour, Birmingham International, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Luton, Manchester, Southampton and Stansted. The first half operating profit for the division is expected to be near to break even, compared with a loss of £1.7m a year earlier. <span class="sent"> Panmure Gordon analyst <span class="analyst">James Cooke</span> said: "The company is in good shape and operations have held up well despite difficult economic conditions." </span> Tweet this 

The trading update follows Monday's launch of the company's high speed Javelin rail service between London St Pancras and Kent. Earlier this month, Go Ahead jettisoned the bulk of its loss making aviation services business following deals with Servisair and Dubai based Dnata. Most of its ground handling and cargo operations at Heathrow have been sold to Dnata, while Servisair will take on operations at 11 UK airports – Aberdeen, Belfast International, Belfast Harbour, Birmingham International, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Luton, Manchester, Southampton and Stansted. The first half operating profit for the division is expected to be near to break even, compared with a loss of £1.7m a year earlier. Panmure Gordon analyst James Cooke said: "The company is in good shape and operations have held up well despite difficult economic conditions."  
Share:  The trading update follows Monday's launch of the company's high speed Javelin rail service between London St Pancras and Kent. Earlier this month, Go Ahead jettisoned the bulk of its loss making aviation services business following deals with <span class="company">Servisair</span> and Dubai based Dnata. Most of its ground handling and cargo operations at Heathrow have been sold to Dnata, while <span class="company">Servisair</span> will take on operations at 11 UK airports – Aberdeen, Belfast International, Belfast Harbour, Birmingham International, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Luton, Manchester, Southampton and Stansted. The first half operating profit for the division is expected to be near to break even, compared with a loss of £1.7m a year earlier. <span class="sent"> Panmure Gordon analyst <span class="analyst">James Cooke</span> said: "The company is in good shape and operations have held up well despite difficult economic conditions." </span> Tweet this 

Published Date: 15 Transport firm Go Ahead yesterday said its bus division continued to drive the business in the face of an anticipated 50 per cent drop in rail profits. Go Ahead, which operates the Southern, Southeastern and London Midland rail franchises, said the bus unit's half year profits were now expected to be slightly ahead of last year's £31.4m.The company, which has a fleet of 3,500 vehicles and a 21 ADVERTISEMENT per cent share of the London bus market, forecast further progress in the second half of the financial year. It said revenues in deregulated bus operations, such as those serving the North East, Oxford and southern England, were up seven per cent with passenger numbers ahead five per cent.The rail operation performed in line with expectations in the six months to , although Go Ahead said profits would be broadly half last year's £34.9m due to a reduction in government franchise subsidies.The rail franchises are 65 per cent owned by Go Ahead through the holding company Govia.Yesterday's update follows Monday's launch of the company's high speed Javelin rail service between London St Pancras and Kent.Earlier this month, Go Ahead jettisoned the bulk of its loss making aviation services business following deals with Servisair and Dubai based Dnata.Panmure Gordon analyst Share:  Published Date: 15 Transport firm Go <span class="company">Ahead</span> yesterday said its bus division continued to drive the business in the face of an anticipated 50 per cent drop in rail profits. Go <span class="company">Ahead</span>, which operates the Southern, Southeastern and London Midland rail franchises, said the bus unit's half year profits were now expected to be slightly ahead of last year's £31.4m.The company, which has a fleet of 3,500 vehicles and a 21 ADVERTISEMENT per cent share of the London bus market, forecast further progress in the second half of the financial year. It said revenues in deregulated bus operations, such as those serving the North East, Oxford and southern England, were up seven per cent with passenger numbers ahead five per cent.The rail operation performed in line with expectations in the six months to , although Go <span class="company">Ahead</span> said profits would be broadly half last year's £34.9m due to a reduction in government franchise subsidies.The <span class="sent"> rail franchises are 65 per cent owned by Go </span><span class="company">Ahead</span> through the holding company Govia.Yesterday's update follows Monday's launch of the company's high speed Javelin rail service between London St Pancras and Kent.Earlier this month, Go <span class="company">Ahead</span> jettisoned the bulk of its loss making aviation services business following deals with Servisair and Dubai based Dnata.Panmure Gordon analyst <span c Tweet this 

They will instead support plans for National Express to strengthen its debt laden finances by tapping shareholders for funds. Panmure Gordon analyst James Cooke said: "National Express is now likely to raise new equity, possibly around £400m, in order to strengthen its stretched balance sheet."  
Share:  They will instead support plans for <span class="company">National Express</span> to strengthen its debt laden finances by tapping shareholders for funds. <span class="sent"> Panmure Gordon analyst <span class="analyst">James Cooke</span> said: "<span class="company">National Express</span> is now likely to raise new equity, possibly around £400m, in order to strengthen its stretched balance sheet." </span>...<span class="sent">Panmure Gordon analyst <span class="analyst">James Cooke</span> said: "<span class="company">National Express</span> is now likely to raise new equity, possibly around £400m, in order to strengthen its stretched balance sheet." </span> Reports suggested concerns among would be buyers over the refinancing terms for part of <span class="company">National Express</span>'s debt due next year. But the firm said it continued to perform "resiliently" despite challenging trading conditions. It is in talks with major shareholders over the fundraising to ease its £1bn debt pile and give the group a "strong, stable platform". ...<span class="sent">Panmure Gordon analyst <span class="analyst">James Cooke</span> said: "<span class="company">National Express</span> is now likely to raise new equity, possibly around £400m, in order to strengthen its stretched balance sheet." </span> Reports suggested concerns among would be buyers over the refinancing terms for part of <span class="company">National Express</span>'s debt due next ye Tweet this 

They will instead support plans for National Express to strengthen its debt laden finances by tapping shareholders for funds. Panmure Gordon analyst James Cooke said: "National Express is now likely to raise new equity, possibly around £400 million, in order to strengthen its stretched balance sheet."  
Share:  They will instead support plans for <span class="company">National Express</span> to strengthen its debt laden finances by tapping shareholders for funds. <span class="sent"> Panmure Gordon analyst <span class="analyst">James Cooke</span> said: "<span class="company">National Express</span> is now likely to raise new equity, possibly around £400 million, in order to strengthen its stretched balance sheet." </span>...<span class="sent">Panmure Gordon analyst <span class="analyst">James Cooke</span> said: "<span class="company">National Express</span> is now likely to raise new equity, possibly around £400 million, in order to strengthen its stretched balance sheet." </span> Reports suggested concerns among would be buyers over the refinancing terms for part of <span class="company">National Express</span>'s debt due next year. But the firm said it continued to perform "resiliently" despite challenging trading conditions. It is in talks with major shareholders over the fundraising to ease its £1 billion debt pile and give the group a "strong, stable platform". ...<span class="sent">Panmure Gordon analyst <span class="analyst">James Cooke</span> said: "<span class="company">National Express</span> is now likely to raise new equity, possibly around £400 million, in order to strengthen its stretched balance sheet." </span> Reports suggested concerns among would be bu Tweet this 

The company said it has "a strong portfolio of businesses and continues to perform resiliently despite challenging trading conditions." "The board believes that National Express has a strong future as an independent listed company, offering a compelling investment case building on the strength of its individual businesses," National Express said. The company said details of its fundraising plans would be announced later. "National Express is now likely to raise new equity, possibly 400 million pounds, in order to strengthen its stretched balance sheet. It may also consider some disposals," said James Cooke, analyst at Panmure Gordon & Co. Joe Thomas at Investec Securities forecast that 300 million pounds might suffice following the collapse of the bid.  
Share:  The company said it has "a strong portfolio of businesses and continues to perform resiliently despite challenging trading conditions." "The board believes that <span class="company">National Express</span> has a strong future as an independent listed company, offering a compelling investment case building on the strength of its individual businesses," <span class="company">National Express</span> said. The company said details of its fundraising plans would be announced later. "<span class="company">National Express</span> is now likely to raise new equity, possibly 400 million pounds, in order to strengthen its stretched balance sheet. <span class="sent"> It may also consider some disposals," said <span class="analyst">James Cooke</span>, analyst at Panmure Gordon & Co. Joe Thomas at Investec Securities forecast that 300 million pounds might suffice following the collapse of the bid. </span> Tweet this