Thomas Cook says trading strong, on target for FY

LONDON, Aug 13 (Reuters) – Thomas Cook, Europe's No.2 travel company, said on Wednesday that current trading has been strong in the summer 2008 season, and trading for winter 2008/9 and summer 2009 is ahead of last year.

The group, created last year from the tie-up of German retailer Arcandor's travel unit and Britain's MyTravel, said it is on track to meet its expectations for the current financial year.

Thomas Cook said it has taken steps to increase flexibility for summer 2009 in capacity, accommodation, cost base, and fuel hedging. Fuel has been 92 percent hedged for 2008/9.

Last month, German carrier Air Berlin scrapped its takeover of Thomas Cook's charter airline Condor, putting the brake on attempts to create a rival network to Lufthansa.

Thomas Cook said, while talks are continuing with Air Berlin about the feasibility of an alternative transaction, it is pursuing other options for Condor.