LONDON (ShareCast) - Westminster Group, which provides security for two airports in Liberia and Sierra Leone, said passenger volumes were still higher than last year despite the outbreak of the Ebola virus leading to several airlines suspending flights into the region.
AIM-listed Westminster said volumes in the year to end-August were still 1.6% ahead of the same period in 2013, even though airlines including British Airways have suspended flights until the 31 December.

Chief executive Peter Fowler lauded the way the company had prepared for and coped with the issue.

"The group has already announced timely mitigation strategies including the placing announced on 4 August to augment its cash position.

"We have also taken prudent cost reduction measures in theatre, however we have ensured that the local work force and operations are unaffected and we have continued to maintain full security at the airport which demonstrates our commitment to the affected country and local community.'

He said the company was helping provide advanced fever detection systems and screening passengers in accordance with WHO requirements to keep the airport operational.

"A further major mitigation measure is our strategy of diversification over multiple product offerings in multiple territories. Passenger volumes in airports in the affected region are approximately just 0.6% of our total aviation prospect pipeline and less than 5% of our more advanced prospects."

Shares in the company were down 3.4% to 43p by early afternoon on Wednesday.

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