Alex Je Bailey

FRANKFURT (AFP) –
Air Berlin, Germany's second biggest airline after Lufthansa, on Tuesday reported that its net profit more than doubled in the third quarter of this year on a 12-month comparison.

The company posted a net profit of 95.2 million euros (141.4 million dollars) compared to 45.1 million euros in the third quarter last year.

"Despite the remaining risks with respect to the economic environment and the development of the economy, Air Berlin confirms its previous forecast that it will achieve a better operating result than in 2008," a statement said.

But the company also said its sales fell 8.2 percent in the third quarter to 974 million euros because of reduced capacity due to cost-cutting.

Air Berlin is set to publish its full quarterly results on Thursday.