The company's operating loss before exceptional items was EUR53.7m for the first three months of this year, an increase of 41.7% compared to the loss of EUR37.9m in the same period last year.

Aer Lingus said that this year's first quarter performance was negatively affected by the IMPACT cabin crew dispute in January and February, the later Easter holiday period in 2011 and poor performance of certain leisure routes from Ireland.

Total revenue decreased by 4.8% to EUR217.9m for the quarter, with total passenger revenue down 5.6% to EUR207.0m.

Yield per passenger rose 9.0% compared to last year's first quarter, however, the airline stated that early yield indications appear positive for the second and third quarters.

Aer Lingus still expects to generate an operating profit before exceptional items for the whole of 2011, but now at a significantly lower level than in 2010.

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