RIGA, Aug 8 (LETA) - Latvian national airline ''airBaltic'' operated with LVL 23 million in losses in the first half of the year, the airline's CEO informed members of the press today.

However, he said that the airline plans to operate with profit in July and August.

Gauss also pointed out that since February, the airline has achieved better than expected results, thus he believes that the airline will end the year with LVL 33 million in losses, instead of previously forecasted losses of LVL 38 million. Thus, the airline will have been successful in reducing losses by LVL 50 million this year, when compared to last year.

Furthermore, in the first six months of the year, ''airBaltic's'' passenger volumes have reduced by 11 percent.

Gauss reminded that the airline plans to return to profit in 2014.

As reported, ''airBaltic'' currently offers flights to 60 destinations from Riga.

"airBaltic" was established in 1995, the state of Latvia is currently the key shareholder with a 99.8 percent stake.