KUALA LUMPUR: AirAsia X Bhd, Malaysia’s long-haul budget airline, posted a sharp surge in quarterly profit, driven by foreign exchange gains and realisation of deferred taxes.
The carrier posted a net profit of RM47.4 million (US$11.08 million) for the second quarter ended June, versus RM1 million a year ago. Revenue rose 17% to RM1.04 billion, from RM883.2 million a year ago.
AirAsia X also saw an increase in passengers carried and higher aircraft leasing income over the period.
The airline noted that passengers carried increased by 34% following a 26% growth in seat capacity, while aircraft operating lease income rose 15% to RM123 million, mainly due to depreciation in the ringgit.