Emirates has announced a net profit of $225 million for the first half of this financial year, amid rising fuel costs and political and economic instability.
The figure represents a fall of $699 million on the same April to September period in 2010, when Emirates saw a net profit of $925 million.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Emirates’ CEO, said the airline spent an additional $1 billion on fuel, compared to last year.
“Emirates’ latest half-year performance is testament to the airline’s strong business foundations and tenacity to stay on course and continue to grow despite the unsteady marketplace,” he said.
“We have continued to invest in our eco-efficient aircraft fleet; in strengthening our global route network; and also in supporting the infrastructure for our growing business and it continues to pay off.”
Over the six months, the airline recruited more than 3,400 new staff members, and capacity, measured in available seat kilometres, grew by 8.2%.
Since April, Emirates has started flights to Geneva, Copenhagen and St Petersburg, with a further eight new routes planned for the coming months, including Baghdad on November 13 and Dublin in early 2012.