Profits at Gatwick-based Air Partner reached £907,000 for the six months ended January 31, a rise of seven per cent.

The company, which is the world's largest corporate air charter broker, also recorded a 31 per cent increase in turnover during the period.

Mike Guina, director of strategy and president of the firm's U.S. operation, the half-year results were very encouraging with the best half yet to come.

"The high exchange rate for sterling has had little effect on the business. By far the largest part of our business in carried out in the UK and when we use aircraft from European countries it means sterling's strength works in our favour.

He said the company had adopted a much more agressive approach during the past year with the development of the business in the U.S. and Europe and had made a significant investment in its Rapid Air Support division and Air Partner On-Line.

The charter of executive and commercial aircrat increased across all its divisions and in all markets with the exception of Germany. The Cologne subsidiary was unable to match its 1998/99 performance.

In the U.S. the company started an aircraft management company, Pinnacle Aviation Management, within its Fort Lauderdale operation. A second U.S. office was opened with members of the Florida team moving to New York in

January and a Swiss operation was established in Zurich last month.Company chairman Tony Mack said: "Our second half is traditionally stronger of the two periods, and current trading confirms the trend. Good performances are anticipated.

"This year is one of investment for the future, in just six months we have opened two more offices, adding to the four in place, started two more aviation companies, launched two new products and are still able to improve profits."

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