Thomas Cook (TC) chief executive Peter Fankhauser says a review of the company's 103-aircraft airline means it is looking at "all options to enhance value to shareholders and intensify strategic focus" after turning in a Q1 result where revenue rose one per cent to GBP1.656 billion, but margins fell and losses for the period were up by GBP14 million to GBP60 million. 

TC now wants more own-brand hotels, greater digital reach and a more efficient business overall.

 

"Where summer 2018 bookings started very strongly, bookings for summer 2019 reflect some consumer uncertainty, particularly in the UK and our decision to reduce (selected) capacity will both mitigate risk in our tour operator business and help our airline to consolidate the strong growth achieved last year," Fankhauser said.

 

The news of the review drove Thomas Cook's share price up by almost 20 per cent early Thursday (07 February) following an 85 per cent decline since a (recent) peak in May 2018.

 

German magazine Süddeutsche Zeitung claims Germany's Lufthansa already has held informal talks with TC covering a possible purchase.