Airtel ATN, a software developer for the aviation industry, has announced a reduction in losses before tax to £15,158 (€19,260) from £112,437 in the first quarter to September 30th, 1999. Revenue grew by 280 per cent to £607,770.

Airtel said revenue growth reflected the "greatly improved licence sales and the delivery of engineering services". The loss is attributed to "an increase in global marketing and sales initiatives". It is confident that this investment will increase sales and lead to a small profit in the second quarter to December 31st next. The first quarter results were better than expected, the firm says.

The highlights are listed as the contract with ARINC Inc in the US, the exhibition at the annual Air Traffic Controller Association's conference in San Diego, and the 18 per cent increase in employment. Airtel ATN with headquarters in Dublin where it employs 35 people, said this should increase to 50 by mid-2000.