Aurizon returns to profit

Aurizon has returned to profit, reporting a first half net profit of $54 million.

New Aurizon boss Andrew Harding talked up the future of the company and predicted an increase in coal production in the near future, which he says would have “quite positive outcomes.”

He also extended the annual cost-cutting targets put in place by former chief Lance Hockridge and confirmed that the review into the intermodal freight business is due to finish by the middle of this year.