Nov. 13--Emirates Group said its air service provider Dnata recorded a 13 percent surge in profit to Dh458 million ($124.77 million) for the first half of the 2013-14 fiscal year on Tuesday.
Dnata, which provides aircraft ground handling, cargo, travel and flight catering services, posted total revenue including other operating income of Dh 3.7 billion, 18 percent higher compared Dh 3.2 billion last year ($871.74 million).
"Dnata continues its strong performance, building on the success of its investments in international business growth and infrastructure, which now span 38 countries," said Emirates Group in a statement.
Dnata's airport operations was the largest contributor to revenues with Dh1.4 billion, a 16 percent increase compared to Dh1.2 billion in the same period last year. Across its operations, the number of aircraft handled by Dnata rose to 141,845, an increase of 9 percent.
Dnata's in-flight catering operation, recorded strong growth and contributed Dh891 million of its total revenue, up 39 percent.
The number of meals uplifted was at 22.4 million meals for the first half of the fiscal year, up a massive 81 percent compared to last year. These increases mainly reflect its acquisition of Servair in Italy in June 2013, said the statement.
Revenue from Dnata's Travel Services operation contributed Dh303 million, up 16 percent from the same period last year.
Dnata's cargo handling division also witnessed upward growth with revenues increasing by four per cent to Dh546 million on account of increased tonnage mainly for Dnata's UK operation and in Switzerland, which rose in total by 2 percent to 809,236 tonnes.
Copyright 2013 - Khaleej Times, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
