SkyEurope Airlines reported a consolidated net loss of EUR32.5 million in the fiscal semester ended March 31, a slight amelioration from the EUR33.6 million lost in the year-ago period.

Turnover increased 35.1% year-on-year to EUR80.6 million owing mainly to a 43.8% jump in passengers carried to 1.2 million partly stimulated by promotional fares for the seasonally weak first half. Operating expenses rose 13.8% due to a "rigorous cost-savings program" to EUR97.85 million from EUR86.01 million, while the LCC's operating loss narrowed to EUR30 million from EUR34.4 million in the 2006 period.

SkyEurope flew 1.29 billion RPKs, up 38.3% year-over-year, on an 18.7% capacity increase to 1.62 billion ASKs. Load factor gained 11.3 points to 79.7% and aircraft utilization improved 15.2%. Yield eroded 2.3% to EUR0.062 but RASK lifted 13.8% to EUR0.05. Cost per ASK fell 1% to EUR0.068. It was flying 10 737-700s and four 737 Classics at the close of the semester.

The carrier maintained its full-year guidance with EBITDAR expected to be positive with a positive EBIT in the fourth quarter thanks to "overall improvements in revenue and a rigorous cost-savings program."

Meantime, it announced changes in the management structure of the airline operating entity. Deputy CEO Jason Bitter will become CEO of SkyEurope Airlines, taking over from founder and CEO Christian Mandl, who will continue to serve as chairman and CEO of SkyEurope Holding. Mandl will focus on strategic projects for the carrier, in particular its planned entry into the Russian market and establishment of an aircraft leasing subsidiary, the company said.