Airline has "numerous growth opportunities"
UK carrier Flybe has announced it "may consider" issuing shares to the public for the first time in an Initial Public Offering (IPO).
Flybe has not given a likely date for the flotation, but confirmed it would "consider the possibility of a public listing at some point in the future."
It said: "Flybe's business is delivering a robust performance against the backdrop of difficult industry conditions.
"The Directors of Flybe are very pleased with these results and with the numerous growth opportunities which the business has options to action."
Flybe said it would continue to monitor the situation, waiting until "the demand for IPOs returns and provided an IPO could be undertaken in the best interests of the company, its shareholders and customers."
The airline may use financial advisory firm Merril Lynch, with which Flybe has "a long standing business relationship", to prepare for its initial flotation of shares.
Since acquiring BA Connect in 2007, Flybe has invested $3bn on new aircraft, with the last of the old planes being phased out this year.
Flybe also approached Lufthansa about buying parts of bmi.
Mike Rutter, its chief commercial officer, told ABTN that Flybe was an "acquisitive airline" and parts of bmi could be a "potential fit".
Flybe is now among Europe's largest regional airlines, flying to 13 countries, on 184 routes, from 35 UK airports.
www.flybe.com