BBA Aviation cautious despite profit hike

Aircraft services provider BBA Aviation posted a rise in profits in the first half as the aviation industry emerged from the downturn, but said the economic recovery remains uncertain. BBA, whose activities include refuelling and baggage handling, posted a pre-tax profit of £39m in the six months to June 30, up from £25.8m the previous year, as revenues climbed to £587.4m from £550.2m. The interim dividend was increased to 2.4p from 2.3p.'BBA Aviation had a good first half and continues to trade well,' said chief executive Simon Pryce.He said that while the nature of the recovery remains difficult to predict given ongoing economic uncertainty, actions the company has taken over the past couple of years position it well to benefit from any recovery.