BERLIN, August 28, 2008 (AFP) - The German low-cost airline Air Berlin reassured markets on Thursday with the release of some positive first half results.

Core earnings gained 12.7 percent on a 12-month basis to 173.4 million euros (256.51 million dollars), a statement said.

BERLIN, July 25, 2008 (AFP) - Troubled German carrier Air Berlin has alleged that Dresdner Bank profited at the airline's expense by manipulating its share price, in a letter sent to the stock market watchdog BaFin.

A Dresdner Bank spokeswoman told AFP the bank had received no notification of any allegations from BaFin and therefore would not comment.

FRANKFURT, July 9, 2008 (AFP) - German justice officials have closed a probe of Air Berlin boss Joachim Hunold for suspected insider trading, saying on Wednesday they did not have enough evidence to pursue the enquiry.

German low-cost carrier Air Berlin said Thursday that soaring fuel prices will undercut its 2008 earnings targets and it had to take further action to reduce costs.

Air Berlin head Joachim Hunold said that while the airline still expected an operating profit for the year, the outcome depended on several factors -- fuel prices, increasing competition and a slowing economy.

BERLIN, April 7, 2008 (AFP) - Russian billionaire Leonard Blavatnik wants to invest in the German low-cost airline Air Berlin, airline boss Joachim Hunold told the Berlin daily Tagesspiegel in comments published Monday.

'He is without doubt a prestigious investor, who is clearly interested in a long-term commitment,' said Hunold, who is head of the second biggest German airline.

BERLIN, April 7, 2008 (AFP) - Russian billionaire Leonard Blavatnik wants to invest in the German low-cost airline Air Berlin, airline boss Joachim Hunold told the Berlin daily Tagesspiegel in comments published Monday.

'He is without doubt a prestigious investor, who is clearly interested in a long-term commitment,' said Hunold, who is head of the second biggest German airline.

FRANKFURT, April 4, 2008 (AFP) - The investment fund Vatas which is owned by South African businessman Robert Hersov has sold its holding of more than 18 percent in the German low-cost carrier Air Berlin, Vatas said on Friday.

With a stake of 18.562 percent, Vatas was the dominant shareholder in Air Berlin, which is often presented as a potential takeover target.

BERLIN, March 31, 2008 (AFP) - German low-cost carrier Air Berlin said Monday it was cutting its operating profit forecasts for this year to between 73 and 120 million euros (46 to 76 million euros) from 140 to 160 million euros.