The improved figures were achieved “against the backdrop of unprecedented external challenges,” including continuing unrest in the Middle East, the Ebola crisis in West Africa and weakening global markets, the Dubai-based carrier said.
These included the highest number of route suspensions in a year and the temporary grounding of part of its fleet due to runway refurbishment closures that stretched over 80 days at its Dubai International Airport base.
The airline also had to battle the headwind of a strengthening US dollar affecting revenues, it said.
Fuel prices softened only marginally toward the end of the six-month period to give some relief. Fuel remains a large component of Emirates’ expenses, accounting for 38% of operating costs compared with 39% during the first six-month period last year.
Emirates reported continued business growth in the first half, both in terms of capacity and traffic. ASKs grew 6.5%, while passenger traffic measured in RPKs was up 9.8%. Load factor rose to 81.5%, compared with last year’s 79.2%.
During the first six months of the fiscal year, Emirates received six Airbus A380s and seven Boeing 777s, with 11 more new aircraft scheduled to be delivered before the end of the financial year.
Emirates carried 23.3 million passengers between April 1 and Sept. 30, up 8.4% from the same period last year. The volume of cargo uplifted was up 5.4%, against market trends.
Emirates Airline and Group chairman and CEO Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said: “It is those external threats that we cannot anticipate or directly manage, such as the global economic malaise, the Ebola outbreak, currency fluctuations, and regional conflicts, that could negate our efforts and plans.
These issues appear to be piling up, impacting commercial aviation and travel, but show no signs of speedy resolution. Therefore it is critical that we stay agile as we grow. The ability to adapt and act quickly will determine our continued success,” he said.
(Alan Dron - ATWOnline News)
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