KUALA LUMPUR: Low-cost carrier AirAsia Bhd declared an special dividend of 40 sen a share as its net profit jumped 81.2% in the third quarter ended Sept 30, 2018. The dividend will go ex on Dec 12.In announced to Bursa Malaysia on Thursday its net profit rose to RM915.87mil from RM505.32mil a year ago due mainly to a one-off gain on the sale of Expedia and the reversal of deferred tax liabilities arising from the disposals of aircraft.For Q3, AirAsia's revenue increased by 6.5% to RM2.61bil from RM2.44bil. Earnings per share were 27.40 sen compared with 15.10 sen.“The growth was attributed to a 9% increase in total passengers carried. Its revenue increased to RM7.78bil from RM7.095bil.Recall that in March, AirAsia announced the disposal of its leasing unit, Asia Aviation Capital Ltd (AAC) to BBAM Ltd Partnership for US$1.18bil (RM4.619bil), and at that point, analysts were speculating a windfall for shareholders in the region of 60 sen to 70 sen a share.The sale to BBAM, the world’s third-largest aircraft lessor, will see AirAsia raking in proceeds of RM3.8bil. The deal involves the sale of 182 current and future aircraft with engines.

Source: thestar November 29, 2018 10:33 UTC