Emirates sees passenger growth

Emirates airline has revealed a rise in profits during the first half of the year.The carrier, which offers flights to Dubai from worldwide destinations, reported a net profit of $925 million (£577 million) compared to $205 million (£127.8 million) in the period ending September 30th 2009.

In particular, the airline has experienced a rise in passenger volumes, totalling 15.5 million customers and a 2.5 per cent increase in premium seat sales.

“We continue to invest our profits in growing the business and our healthy financial position enables us to successfully meet all of our financial commitments and raise financing for future aircraft deliveries,” explained Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the airline’s chairman.

The airline has increased its flight services in recent months and has added six new destinations since April as well as adding a number of new aircraft to its fleet.

Emirates was named as the best airline in the 2009 Business Traveller Middle East Awards.

Written by Erin Marshall.