Asiana Airlines reports

a turbulent third quarter

Asiana Airlines’ sales and operating profit in the third quarter plunged compared to a year ago, although net profit rose slightly.

The nation’s second-largest flag carrier said in a regulatory filing yesterday that its sales in the July through September period decreased by 3 percent year-on-year to 1.51 trillion won ($1.4 billion), while operating profit slipped 41.8 percent year-on-year to land at 63.4 billion won. However, its net profit has increased 3.3 percent year-on-year to 82.8 billion won.

The affiliate of Kumho Asiana Group said that despite low demand from Japan attributed to the weak yen, it managed to secure a number of international passengers during the vacation season.

The company said that it is likely to experience better business opportunities in the fourth quarter with rising cargo demand.