Companies: AIP   

The air charter broker revealed that lack of confidence in the world's financial markets was affecting UK trading, and this would significantly reduce profits in the current financial year. Nevertheless, interim figures to 31 January 2001 were very encouraging. Pre-tax profits were lifted 38% to £1.25m on sales boosted by 42% to £46.3m. Air Partner's German business moved back into profit thanks to a 73% uplift in sales and in the US, a 96% rise in revenues shifted that business into profit. The board took action to grow the business during 2000 and opened new offices in New York, Zurich and Vienna. Rapid Air Support, an overseas employee evacuation service described by chairman Tony Mack as 'a peace of mind programme', doubled its client base, although profitability is still some time away. Finally, Air Partner On-Line!, the internet trading post, managed to raise its airline users from 90 to 120. Earnings per share was 7p (5.4p).