Better ticket revenue and credits from manufacturers helped December quarter profits of Interglobe Aviation, the owner of India’s largest airline by market share IndiGo, surge 56 per cent to ₹762 crore. Operating revenue stood at ₹2001.89 crore for the quarter, 37 per cent higher than the year-ago period.

In December, IndiGo crossed the landmark of being the first Indian carrier to operate 1,000 flights daily. Passenger ticket revenue for the quarter was ₹6,449 crore, while ancillary income was ₹700 crore, up 20 per cent year-on-year. Costs per seat kilometre (including fuel) rose 3.9 per cent to ₹3.18.

As of December 2017, IndiGo operated a fleet of 153 aircraft, an increase of 12 during the quarter. The company said it made forex gains of ₹80.3 crore in the quarter, as the rupee strengthened against the dollar over the period.

In a call with investors, Aditya Ghosh, President and Whole-Time Director, said that IndiGo is still keen on acquiring Air India’s international operations. However, IndiGo is also securing route rights and the necessary approvals for flying abroad, Ghosh added.