ETIHAD IN FIRST OPERATING PROFIT FOR Q1

Etihad Airways recorded its first operating profit in the first quarter, putting it on track to achieve its target of breaking even this year and making a profit next year. Revenue surged to US$770 million (Dh2.82 billion) for the quarter, 21.2% higher than the same period last year. Passenger revenue rose 15% on the back of a 10.6% growth in passenger numbers to 1,854,392. Etihad’s percentage of seats filled fell to 72.7% in the first quarter from 75.1% in the same period last year, due to the impact of Middle East unrest and the Japanese earthquake. The airline’s first-quarter cargo