The Dubai-based Emirates Group posted a record profit of Dh8.2 billion ($2.2 billion) for the financial year ending March 31, up 50 per cent from last year, the company said.

The group’s revenue reached Dh93 billion ($25.3 billion), a decrease of 3 per cent over last year’s results, and the group’s cash balance increased strongly to Dh23.5 billion ($6.4 billion).

The group said this is the 28th consecutive year of profit for the company and it is in a strong position despite the global and operational challenges during this period.

During the 2015-16 financial year, both Emirates and dnata achieved new capacity and profit milestones, as the group continued to expand its global footprint, and strengthen its business through strategic investments.

Emirates, the group's flagship airline operation, reported a 56 percent jump in annual net profit, with lower oil prices helping to reduce operating costs. The carrier reported a profit of Dh7.1 billion ($1.93 billion) for the financial year to March 31.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive, Emirates Airline and Group, said: “Emirates and dnata delivered record profits, solid business results, and continued to grow throughout 2015-16. Against an unfavourable currency situation which eroded our revenues and profits, an uncertain global economic environment dogged by weak consumer and investor sentiment, as well as ongoing socio-political instability in many regions around the world, the group’s performance is testament to the success of our business model and strategies.

“Our ongoing investments to develop our people and to our enhance business performance, enable us to react with agility to the new challenges and opportunities that every year brings. In 2015-16, the froup collectively invested over Dh17.3 billion ($4.7 billion) in new aircraft and equipment, the acquisition of companies, modern facilities, the latest technologies, and staff initiatives. These will build on our strong foundations, extend our competitive edge, and accelerate our progress towards our long-term goals,” he said.

The group’s employee base across its more than 80 subsidiaries and companies increased by 13 per cent to over 95,000-strong representing over 160 different nationalities.

“Looking at the year ahead, we expect that the low oil prices will continue to be a double-edged sword – a boon for our operating costs, but a bane for global business and consumer confidence. The strong US dollar against major currencies will remain a challenge, as will the looming threat of protectionism in some countries. However, we enter the new financial year with confidence, backed by a robust balance sheet, solid track record, diverse global portfolio, and international talent pool. We will continue to evolve and grow our business profitably, and work even harder to meet and exceed our customers’ expectations,” said Sheikh Ahmed.

In line with the overall profit, the Group declared a dividend of Dh2.5 billion ($681 million) to the Investment Corporation of Dubai.

Emirates performance
Emirates airline’s total passenger and cargo capacity crossed hit 56.4 billion available tonne kilometres (ATKMs) at the end of 2015-16, cementing its position as the world’s largest international airline. The airline increased capacity during the year by 5.5 billion ATKMs, or 11 per cent over 2014-15.

Emirates received 29 new aircraft, its highest number during a financial year, including 16 A380s, 12 Boeing 777-300ERs and one Boeing 777F, bringing its total fleet count to 251 at the end of March. At the same time nine aircraft were phased out, taking the average fleet age down to 74 months or approximately half the industry average of 140 months. The airline remains the world’s largest operator of the Boeing 777 and A380 – both aircraft being amongst the most modern and efficient wide-bodied jets in the sky today.

With the delivery of new aircraft, Emirates launched eight new passenger destinations: Bali, Bologna, Cebu, Clark, Istanbul (Sabiha Gökçen), Mashhad, Multan, Orlando; and two new additional freighter destinations: Columbus and Ciudad del Este. It also added services and capacity to 34 cities on its existing route network across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America, offering customers even greater choice and connectivity.

With significant currency devaluations against the US dollar and fare adjustments following the reduction in fuel prices, Emirates revenue dropped 4 per cent to Dh85 billion ($23.2 billion).

The relentless rise of the US dollar against currencies in most of Emirates’ key markets had an Dh6 billion ($1.6 billion) impact on airline revenue, and an Dh4.2 billion ($1.1 billion) impact to the airline’s bottom line, it said.

However, total operating costs decreased by 8 per cent over the 2014-15 financial year. The average price of jet fuel fell during the financial year, supporting Emirates’ bottom line improvement. The airline’s fuel bill decreased by 31 per cent over last year to Dh19.7 billion ($5.4 billion). Fuel is now 26 per cent of operating costs, compared to 35 per cent in 2014-15, but it remained the biggest cost component for the airline.

The airline successfully managed increased competitive pressure across all markets to record a profit of Dh7.1 billion ($1.9 billion), an increase of 56 per cent over last year’s results, and a healthy profit margin of 8.4 per cent, the strongest margin since 2010-11.

Carrying a record 51.9 million passengers (up 8 per cent), Emirates crossed the 50 million passenger milestone, and achieved a Passenger Seat Factor of 76.5 per cent. The decline in passenger seat factor compared to last year’s 79.6 per cent, is relative to the strong 13 per cent increase in seat capacity by ASKMs, and also in part due to lingering economic uncertainty and strong competition in many markets.

Emirates SkyCargo continues to play an integral role in the company’s expanding operations, contributing 14 per cent of the airline’s total transport revenue.

Emirates’ hotels recorded revenue of Dh700 million ($191 million), an increase of 1 per cent over last year.

dnata performance

In its 57 years of operation, 2015-16 has been dnata’s most profitable yet, crossing Dh1 billion ($287 million) profit for the first time. Building on its strong results in the previous year, dnata's revenue grew to Dh10.6 billion ($2.9 billion). Dnata’s international business now accounts for more than 64 per cent of its revenue.   - TradeArabia News Service