Emirates, Dubai's flagship carrier, reported a 52 percent rise in 2012 net profit on Thursday as the fast-growing airline increased its fleet size and added more passengers.

Emirates, ranked fourth globally in terms of international passengers according to IATA, had a profit of Dh2.3 billion ($622 million) for the fiscal year ended March 31, up 52 percent from 2011. The airline had made of profit of Dh1.5 billion in 2011.

The airline reported its largest increase in capacity in its history last year, receiving 34 new aircraft, it said in the statement.

The world's largest customer of the Airbus A380 superjumbo said profits for the wider Emirates Group was Dh3.1 billion, including airline services arm, Dnata. – Reuters