Dubai, May 19 (AP) The holding company that owns Qatar Airways reported on Monday it earned a USD 2.15 billion profit in its last fiscal year, its highest-ever profit off the back of record passenger numbers as global aviation bounces back after the coronavirus pandemic.

The state-owned carrier reported revenues of USD 23.4 billion overall in the results, up from USD 22.1 billion the year before. Its fiscal year profits in the prior reporting period were USD 1.6 billion.

“These record-breaking results are a testament to the hard work, skill and dedication of teams across all of Qatar Airways Group," said group CEO Badr Mohammed al-Meer in a statement.

Qatar Airways, along with Abu Dhabi-based Emirates and Dubai's Emirates, are long-haul carriers that link East-West travel. Their location on the Arabian Peninsula between Europe and Asia have made them a key link in global transit.

Qatar Airways also got a boost when the small, energy-rich nation hosted soccer's 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Qatar Airways reported carrying 43.1 million passengers, up from the prior financial year's 40 million. Its fleet includes over 230 aircraft, which is a mix of Airbus and Boeing long-haul and medium-range planes.

The Qatar Airways Group includes the airline, its cargo service, the country's airport operator and Qatar Duty Free. Its financial year runs from April 1 to March 31.

The announcement follows long-haul carrier Emirates earlier this month saying that it earned annual profits of USD 5.2 billion, with the state-owned firm declaring itself the world's most profitable airline. (AP) PY PY

State-owned carrier profitability rises as Qatar Airways reports record annual profit and increased passenger traffic. Qatar Airways Group, a state-owned holding covering the airline, cargo service, airport operator and duty-free business, reported consolidated fiscal-year results for the April 1-March 31 period showing record profit and increased revenues driven by higher passenger volumes, reflecting post-pandemic aviation recovery, geographic route positioning, and major-event demand.