Irish carrier Aer Lingus saw passengers and revenues pick up in August but long haul figures were down due to the impact of Hurricane Irene.

The total number of passengers booked to fly with the airline in August increased 1.8% compared to the same time the previous year.

The number of short haul passengers, who make up a large majority of total bookings, was up 2.4% on 2010, while long haul passenger numbers were down 4.0%.

Aer Lingus' booked load factor in August 2011 increased by 0.4% to 86.1%.

However, the figures also showed that 2011 has, to date, not been as busy as 2010.

Total passenger numbers for the year are down 1.4% and the passenger load factor down 2.4%.

The firm said August's figures represented "a continuation of the positive trend noted in Aer Lingus' recent results for the second quarter of 2011".

"Short haul passenger metrics...more than offset the effects of reduced long haul capacity caused by Hurricane Irene at the end of the month," it said.

Last week the airline announced second quarter profits had almost tripled after a strong pick up in bookings.

The Irish national carrier added that a "strong forward booking profile suggests 2011 operating profit will be better than originally anticipated".

Profits before tax for the second quarter jumped 174% from a year ago to €42.2m.

The airline said this was down to 8.3% growth in passenger numbers as well as disruption caused by volcanic ash the previous year.

However, Aer Lingus' half year numbers were still heavily in the red after industrial disputes in the first quarter.

The company reported first half losses before tax of €14.2m, compared to loss of €20.8m in 2010.

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