A RISE in business travellers is predicted to deliver ASX-listed Flight Centre Limited (FLT) a record profit before tax (PBT) for the 2013 financial year.
FLT managing director Graham Turner (pictured) today estimated the travel group’s PBT for the period would be $305-315 million in fiscal 2013, compared to the previous year’s $290.4 million.
“While it is still early days in 2012-13, first quarter trading results and October projections indicate that we are currently tracking in line with the full-year target,” he says.
“Generally speaking, we are experiencing similar trends to 2011-12 with the corporate business growing at a faster rate than the leisure business in most countries.”
However, FLT vows to entice leisure customers back with a hybrid business model.
“FLT will be seamlessly 24/7 for customers through its unique blend of web offerings including fully transactional sites, extended shop hours, call centres, mobile phone services and after-hours sales teams,” says Turner.
”Customers will also be able to switch between sales channels. For example, starting a booking with an expert consultant in-store and completing it online at home. This bricks-and-clicks interplay will set FLT apart from other travel businesses globally.”
FLT’s share price was flat today at $26.71 per unit.
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