Etihad Airways says its revenue surged by 28 per cent to $989 million in the first quarter of 2012 compared with the same period last year.
Passenger numbers also rose by 500,000 to 2.4 million, the Abu Dhabi-based airline said.
"Despite the tough economic times we believe our business model of organic network growth combined with codeshare partnerships and strategic equity investments will enable us to continue to prosper and ensure sustainable profitability," said James Hogan, its president and chief executive.
Etihad Airways also carried a record 31,700 tonnes of cargo in March, an increase of 20 per cent on the previous year.
The record results were announced as Hogan unveiled plans for a significant expansion of the airline's global network over the next 18 months. These included a daily service to Etihad Airways' first South American destination and a new service to Vietnam.
The airline plans to replicate the success of its European expansion by introducing additional frequencies to a range of other destinations in Asia and Australia.
It is building its presence in Europe with the expansion of its codeshare agreement with Brussels Airlines, which will now include the Belgian carrier's services to Lyon, Marseille and Toulouse.
© The Gulf 2012
