Coach and rail operator National Express claims it is returning to healthy profit margins sooner than expected as a result of a business recovery plan launched in the summer.
In a trading statement released on Friday, group chief executive Dean Finch said: "2010 has been a year of tremendous progress for National Express. This is now a much improved business, back on a sound footing and with a strengthened management team, delivering stronger margins and better customer service.
"We will complete our business recovery programme ahead of schedule, and will look to grow our bus, coach and rail portfolio, leveraging our international presence, and delivering value for customers, stakeholders and investors alike.”
The company said profit before tax for the full year was expected to be a little above current market expectations and markedly stronger than expected in January.
By Linsey McNeill
