Flight Centre's profits, sales take off

SYDNEY - Travel retailer Flight Centre has reported a 40 per cent rise in full-year profit and a 30 per cent increase in sales.

Flight Centre said sales rose to $A2.3 billion ($3 billion) in the year to June 30, 2000. Chairman Norm Fussell said the company had experienced a strong second half, after reporting a 50 per cent rise in operating profit, after tax, for the first half.

Flight Centre said its audited result for the year would not be available until September, but the figures showed the company's strong growth had continued in Australia and overseas. Mr Fussell said Flight Centre had performed "very well" in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Canada.