Dubai Dnata, Emirates Group's ground handling and ticketing arm, made its highest profit in 52 years of operation at Dh808 million last fiscal year, on the back of its proven acquisition strategy, the company said in a statement.
The company also said the unit derived 55 per cent of its revenue from its international operations, an increase of 17 percentage points over the previous year.
"Reaching a record profit, dnata stayed true to its proven acquisition strategy, gaining a majority stake in online travel agency, Travel Republic Ltd and a 50 per cent interest in Wings Inflight Services in South Africa," the company said in the statement.
Dnata's revenue also increased 58.9 per cent over the 2010-11 fiscal year, to Dh7 billion.
The year also saw dnata's operating costs increase by 58.9 per cent to Dh6.2 billion, triggered by the first full integration of Alpha Group, the company stated, adding that dnata's largest revenue stream came from in-flight catering, accounting for Dh2.5 billion of total revenue.
This was followed by Dh2.3 billion revenue from dnata's airport operations, up 17.2 per cent over the previous year.
Emirates said increased volumes at Dubai and Singapore airports accounted for the increase. The dnata's cargo handling division also reported revenues up 12.6 per cent to Dh993 million on account of increased tonnage at Dubai International Airport and Singapore Changi Airport. "Increased cargo volumes at Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central saw dnata handle 3.3 per cent more cargo," Emirates said in the statement.
