Gulf-based carrier Etihad Airways has posted its largest annual profit yet with $62 million in net earnings last year.
The national carrier of the United Arab Emirates says profits were up 48 per cent and revenue rose 27 per cent to $6.1 billion.
The 10-year-old Etihad is among the world’s fastest growing airlines. It has aggressively expanded its fleet of aircraft and owns stakes in Air Berlin, Air Seychelles, Virgin Australia, Aer Lingus and Jet Airways.
US pilots associations have criticised a new US Customs pre-clearance facility in the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi, saying it only benefits Etihad.