EMIRATES POSTS GOOD RESULTS

Emirates, the Middle East’s largest carrier, today reported a four-fold increase in first-half net profit. Profit for the period rose to 3.4 billion U.A.E. dirhams ($925 million), from AED752 million in the same period last year. Revenue increased to AED26.4 billion, from AED19.5 billion last year. Emirates carried 15.5 million passengers in the first six months of the year, a 17% increase on last year. The load factor came in at 81.2%, the highest ever for a first six month reporting period. Premium class seat factors have also risen by 2.6%. Emirates said revenue from its SkyCargo division surged 48%