As Jet Airways deal gets cemented, Etihad Airways net profit triples

Abu Dhabi's Etihad Airways says net profit tripled last year as the fast-growing carrier added routes and code-share arrangements in its expanding rivalries with other premium Gulf airlines - the company is likely to buy a huge stake in Naresh Goyal-owned Jet Airways soon.

Government-owned Etihad said today that 2012 net profit jumped to USD 42 million, compared to USD 14 million in 2011.

Revenue rose 17 per cent to USD 4.8 billion.

Etihad began flying to six new destinations last year, including Shanghai and Kenya's capital, Nairobi. It also has announced expanded service this year to Washington and other cities.

Eithad has aggressively sought to expand cost-share agreements and purchase stakes in foreign airlines such as airberlin and Virgin Australia.

The carrier is locked in deepening competition with Gulf rivals Qatar Airways and Dubai-based Emirates.

Etihad Airways posts 200 per cent rise in 2012 net profit

(AFP) Etihad Airways, the fast-growing carrier of Abu Dhabi, posted a 200 per cent rise in net profit in 2012 and a 17 percent increase in revenues, the airlines said in a statement today.

Etihad posted a net income of USD 42 million last year compared to USD 14 million in 2011 when it made its first ever profit, said the statement which attributed the rise to strong improvements in revenues, passengers and cost control.

The flag carrier of the Emirati capital Abu Dhabi said revenues increased to USD 4.8 billion in 2012 compared to USD 4.1 billion the previous year.

The number of passengers grew a healthy 23 percent to 10.3 million compared to 8.4 million in 2011, significantly boosted by Etihad's partnerships which delivered more than USD 600 million in total revenue.

"This has been a game-changing year for Etihad Airways," James Hogan, the airline's president and chief executive officer said.

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