ABU DHABI - (Xinhua) - The UAE's ( Etihad Airways ) announced its financial and operational results for the first half of this year, recording a record profit in core operating business of $296 million, compared to a loss of $392 million in the first half of 2021, despite an increase in Fuel prices increased by 60% compared to the same period last year.

The company said in a statement that it carried 4.02 million passengers in the first half of 2022, an increase of more than 3 million passengers from last year, during which it carried 980,000 passengers in the first half of 2021.

According to the company, the average number of travelers has increased regularly over the past six months, with an increase of 21.9% with the recovery of travel demand, noting that it witnessed a strong rise in the number of travelers in February following the reduction of travel restrictions in Abu Dhabi.

The company achieved a strong performance in freight operations, freight tonnage increased by 44% in the first half of 2021 compared to last year and freight revenue increased by 56% compared to last year.

Tony Douglas, Etihad Aviation Group Chief Executive Officer, said: “Thanks to its business transformation strategy, Etihad has emerged from the pandemic stronger than ever, with a world-class fleet, unparalleled service and a sustainability strategy woven into every part of our business.”

He continued, "Sustainability remains a key focus for Etihad with the entry of the fleet of A350-1000 aircraft into service, and we continue to enhance our efforts to reduce carbon emissions, which resulted in Etihad Airways winning the title of Green Airline of the Year."