flydubai has reported profits of AED100.7 (US$27.4 million) for 2015 following a stronger second half-year which saw increased numbers of passengers travel across its network.

Total revenue for the full year was AED4.9 billion (US$1.33 billion), an increase of 11 per cent compared to 2014.

Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman of flydubai, said: “last year was an important year for flydubai.

“It was a year in which through determination and commitment we continued to realise our vision to increase connectivity in support of the UAE’s
economic development.

“The year culminated in two achievements: the delivery of our 50th aircraft; and our fourth full-year of profitability.”

The overall yield, in terms of Revenue Passenger Kilometre (RPKM), was under pressure attributable to the strong dollar; the challenging trading environment across the network; disruption resulting from the suspension of flights on some established routes and a large number of recently launched routes with a lead time required to reach maturity.

Ghaith Al Ghaith, chief executive, flydubai, added: “The overall trading environment has remained challenging but we have maintained our growth story and ended the year positively. 

“Our robust passenger growth of 30 per cent, in terms of RPKM, underlines the demand for travel within our geographic focus; the continued appeal of Dubai as a destination; and the popularity of our service.”