Takeover target Skywest Airlines Limited (ASX:SXR) has sunk to a first half net loss of $1.7 million but forecast an improved performance in the second half. Australia’s second largest carrier Virgin Australia Holdings Limited
(ASX:VAH) launched a $98 million takeover bid for the regional airline last year which will be put to a shareholder vote next week [March 13, 2013].
Skywest Executive Chairman Jeff Chatfield has attributed the interim result to the impact of the carbon tax and aircraft maintenance charges.
Charter contracts with global mining companies BHP Billiton Limited
(ASX:BHP) and Rio Tinto Limited
(ASX:RIO) inked at the end of 2012 are expected to support positive trading into the second half.
Shares in Skywest Airlines closed steady at $0.445 after the announcement was made on Friday.
