Updated 10.00

Aer Lingus has reported a fall in losses for the first half the year.

The airline said it lost €9.9m in the six months to the end of June, representing 40% less losses than during the same period of the previous year.

The improvement comes despite industrial action by staff earlier this year, which cost Aer Lingus €10m.

Aer Lingus says increased passenger numbers account for much of the growth.

Aer Lingus chief executive Christoph Mueller says the airline'Â’s transatlantic routes have boosted the company:

The bank's release shows the highest operating result for a second quarter since 2010.

Aer Lingus says it expects full year operating profits to be at least in line with the 2013 results of €61.1m.