Dart Group's annual profits to beat expectations

Airline company Dart Group said annual pre-tax profit will be ahead of market expectations, boosted by lower than anticipated winter losses.

The group, which owns airline Jet2.com, saw a rise in sales for the year ended March 31st 2013, according to a trading statement Friday.

Jet2.com was supported by the expansion of Jet2holidays and its package holiday sales.

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Looking ahead to the year ending March 31st 2014, overall forward booking levels for Jet2.com remain in line with its 13% increase in capacity for Summer 2013.

Trading volumes also improved at Fowler Welch, a UK distribution and logistics provider, and the business remains well placed for profitable growth.

"The group continues to develop and build its businesses, and we are cautiously optimistic about our ability to increase profits in the current financial year, notwithstanding the continuing tough economic environment," Dart said.

Shares surged 9.95% to 163p at 10:28 Friday.

RD