British Airways owner International Airlines Group has reported a 43.5 per cent jump in half-year profits, as high-spending travellers shrugged off uncertainty surrounding Donald Trump’s trade war.
IAG on Friday reported operating profits of €1.9bn for the six months to the end of June, boosted by a stronger than expected second quarter, and said it was still seeing “robust” demand for travel in spite of turmoil caused by US tariffs and geopolitical tensions.
The group, which owns five airlines including BA, said demand for seats in premium areas of its aircraft such as business class had helped to offset “some softness” in bookings from economy travellers in the US.