On April 17, VLM Airlines reported a full-year profit of 3.2 million euros, a 143% increase over its 2005 earnings and its ninth consecutive year in the black. Revenue rose 12.5% to 99.6 million euros and operating costs climbed 10.9% to 95.3 million euros.

VLM said it was able to offset rising fuel expenses with "a number of initiatives" including foreign currency hedging. Passenger numbers were up 9% to 681,751 and are forecast to grow to 900,000 this year. It is adding a 92-seat BAe 146-300 -- its first jet -- to its London City-Rotterdam service to handle the growth, and plans to add its 20th and 21st F50s this year. It also cited a cabin revamp featuring new seats and its new loyalty program, launched last year, for its success.