BA reports pre-tax profit

British Airways has reported pre-tax profits of £158 million - its first half-year surplus for two years.

The airline's profits haul for the six months ending September 30 has been achieved despite disruption to flights caused by the ash cloud from an Icelandic volcano and strikes by cabin crew.

The figure is more than double the £73 million that had been expected by analysts.

The last time the company reported a half-year profit was in the six months ending September 2008.