Air Berlin narrows losses with reduced number of routes

Germany's second-largest carrier, Air Berlin, has been unable to move into positive territory in the second quarter. But it was able to drastically narrow losses as capacity utilization increased.

Air Berlin reported August 15 its second-quarter net loss amounted to 38 million euros ($50.5 million), compared with 99.8 million euros in the red in the same period a year earlier.

Germany's number-two carrier after Lufthansa said losses were also narrowed on an underlying basis, with operating results down to minus 8.1 million euros from almost 30 million euros in the April to June period of 2012.

"In the second quarter, Air Berlin further increased its capacity utilization as well as revenue per available seat kilometer and revenue per passenger," the company said in a statement.