Air Astana recorded a 59 percent increase in profits in 2010 over 2009
The airline reported a 59 percent increase in 2010 profits over 2009 for total earnings of $96.4 million.
"It is hard to imagine how trading conditions could have been better in 2010, with costs for much of the year at post-recession levels but with substantially healthier markets from March onwards," the Air & Business Travel News website reported airline CEO Peter Foster as saying on Thursday.
Total sales came to $656 million, while passenger numbers rose by 13 percent to 2.57 million overall over 2009 figures.
"We don't expect conditions to be so benign in 2011," the Travel Daily UK website quoted Foster as saying.
"However, we will continue to expand our Central Asian network with the introduction of the Embraer 190s (aircraft) in April. We expect to further consolidate our position as the region's leader in terms of network and service."
Air Astana expanded its service to increase the number of flights to Frankfurt, Istanbul, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Beijing and Urumchi.
The national carrier now flies to 24 domestic and 27 international locations, with a fleet of 22 aircraft, Kazinform refers to Central Asia Newswire. To read more visit www.centralasianewswire.com .© 2010 CAN, All Rights Reserved.