Lufthansa says will meet profit target despite fuel costs

FRANKFURT (AFP) — The leading German airline Lufthansa said Wednesday that it expected to meet its operating profit target this year despite rising fuel prices.

Lufthansa board "confirms its outlook that the group's operating result for the full year 2008 will follow up on the previous year's record level," of 1.38 billion euros (2.1 billion dollars), it said ahead of a meeting with analysts and investors.

"The current environment, particularly the high kerosene prices, does however represent a considerable challenge for the airline industry," it added in a statement.

Lufthansa estimated that fuel expenses for the ...