Sharjah based budget carrier Air Arabia net profits for the first quarter increased 32% to Dh 103 million. Lower fuel prices and passengers switching to lower cost air travel contributed to the increase. On Saturday the airline said the net profit growth figures exceed the growth in new revenue and passengers during the first quarter of 2009. Compared to the first quarter of last year, revenues increased 21% to Dh463mm and passenger traffic rose 26% to about 951,000.
Air Arabia’s positive growth figures are in stark contrast to the global airline industry, which is expected to lose $4.7 billion this year due to plunging demand. Air Arabia chief executive Adel Ali said “We are extremely pleased to have been able to continue our own positive momentum in the first quarter of 2009.”
