Dubai's Emirates airline said Thursday its net profit surged 65
percent in the first half of the financial year to $849 million (781
million euros) on lower fuel costs and higher passenger numbers.
The largest Middle East carrier said fuel prices were 41 percent
lower than a year before, while passenger numbers jumped 10 percent to
25.7 million in the six-month period ending September 30. "This
performance reflects the impact of lower fuel prices, and also the
airline's continued ability to grow passenger demand in line with
significant capacity growth," Emirates said.
This was "despite external challenges such as continued regional
unrest and economic malaise in many regions, and increased competition
adding downward pressure on yields."
