Alitalia, the Italian carrier rescued from bankruptcy, has posted a €15m operating profit for the third quarter.
It compares with operating losses of €210m for the first quarter and €63m for the second.
The airlines said its operating loss for the first nine months of 2009 to the end of September stood at €258m.
Alitalia said it revenues during Q3 were €838m, 6.3m passengers were carried and the average load factor was 74%, compared with 65% in Q2.
The airline said its market share was also rising with 53% of domestic flights in Q3 compared to 51% in Q1 and 20% of the international market out of Italy, compared to 19%.
Alitalia said its net financial indebtedness on 30 September was €831m compared to €770m June 30, mainly to deposits on new planes and maintenance.
Robert Colaninno, Alitalia's chairman, said: "The ability which Alitalia is demonstrating to be able to deal with a scenario of a market in great difficulty proves the validity of the industrial operation and of the investment made by the stockholders.
"The challenges that lie ahead are again many and complex, but today we know that we have the means to face them.
Rocco Sabelli, the airline's ceo, said: "Managing to exceed the forecast of an even balance for the third quarter, following a positive operating result of €15m, represents a significant outcome for us which rewards both the strategic choices and the commitment shown by all the people in Alitalia, to whom I send my thanks."
www.alitalia.com