Singapore Airlines said Thursday its net profit for the last financial year nearly halved as fuel costs surged, but reported its highest ever full-year revenues. The major Asian carrier said bookings in the months ahead indicate robust demand, but warned against the impact of trade disputes and slowing economic growth in key markets.
Revenue for the financial year ended March totalled Sg$16.3 billion ($12 billion), but annual net profit tumbled 47.5 percent to Sg$683 million, the airline said in a filing with the Singapore Exchange. Fuel expenditure climbed 17.6 percent, or Sg$688 million, as jet fuel prices rose by an average 21.6 percent during the year, the airline said.
Oil prices have been rising due to growing tensions between the United States and crude-rich Iran. It also added that "net finance charges increased... as the group raised more borrowings during the year for aircraft purchases". The airline said the suspension of flights involving Boeing 737 MAX 8 planes operated by SilkAir, and issues with Rolls-Royce engines that power its 787 Dreamliner fleet, had hit passenger capacity.
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