Analysts are expecting Air New Zealand to post a profit of $140 million before interest and tax, as the airline itself indicated in June.
The airline’s optimism was based on a 10% hike in fares and more demand for premium long-haul seats.
Analysts will also be looking for some confirmation that a heavy number of layoffs and plans for outsourcing will result in lower costs.
It has outsourced aircraft engine maintenance and cleaning, signalled head office cuts and, it is rumoured, plans to outsource most of its finance and ground work to save $250 million.
Looking ahead, persistently high oil prices and the less profitable trans-Tasman and Asian routes are likely to drag on next year’s profitability.
