AGM Statement

TBI PLC 30 July 2004 TBI plc ('TBI' or 'the Group') AGM Statement TBI, the regional airports operator, is holding its AGM today at 12 noon. At the meeting, G Stanley Thomas, Chairman, made the following comments to shareholders: 'The current year has got off to a positive start and trading remains in line with the Board's expectations against the background of a continued challenging environment for both our airline customers and for airport operators generally. 'Total passenger numbers from our core European airports have continued to grow in the first quarter across all three passenger groups, full service, charter and low cost, predominantly driven by low cost. Traffic across the total Group, including our American airports, was 4.9m in the first quarter, 11% higher than last year. This trend has continued throughout July. 'TBI remains at the forefront of the growth in budget air travel and continues to attract additional low cost traffic to domestic and European destinations. Last week saw announcements from easyJet and Ryanair in which both low cost operators committed to significant expansion of their respective services out of London Luton. easyJet will increase its capacity by 25% by adding three new aircraft and similarly Ryanair will add four new aircraft and nine new routes. Such substantial expansion at London Luton is particularly pleasing and is clear recognition of this airport's current and future potential. The benefit of the extra volumes will be realised in 2006. 'As announced on Monday, 26 July, MyTravel's continuing restructuring will result in reductions to its network at several UK airports including Cardiff International. Unless replaced by other capacity this would result, in 2005/6, in a 10% reduction in Cardiff's passenger numbers. Our team at Cardiff International is already making good progress in this regard. 'Recently, the Board highlighted its intention to dispose of the Group's non core airport assets in Bolivia and its airport services business in the US. Advisers have been instructed to facilitate the divestment of the Group's Bolivian operations and this process is now underway. Similarly, the sales process for the US airport services business is progressing and we are now in receipt of indicative bids from interested parties. 'TBI has entered the current year on a sound footing to move the business forward and the Board remains optimistic about the future for the Group.' 30 July 2004 Enquiries: TBI plc 020 7408 7300 Keith Brooks, Chief Executive Caroline Price, Finance Director College Hill 020 7457 2020 Justine Warren This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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