AirAsia, Southeast Asia's largest budget carrier by fleet size, said its fiscal first quarter net profit had risen by more than 150 percent on higher passenger volume.

The carrier said net profit in the quarter ended September 30 rose to RM180 million (US$53 million), up 157.1 percent from RM70 million a year earlier.

Tony Fernandes, group chief executive officer, said AirAsia "once again delivered record profit growth despite operating in a very difficult economic environment characterised by record fuel prices."

"This is our 23rd consecutive profitable quarter," he said.

AirAsia said revenue in the first quarter rose 39 percent to RM461.6 million from RM332 million thanks to 25 percent growth in passenger volume and a 10 percent rise in average ticket prices.

AirAsia X going places

Meanwhile, AirAsia X is planning to expand its Australian operations with a second destination after launching its maiden flight to the Gold Coast early this month.

According to its chief executive officer Azran Osman-Rani, the carrier had begun negotiations with several cities including Newcastle in New South Wales and Avalon in Victoria.

He said the second Australian destination would be added after AirAsia X - currently operating with a leased Airbus A330 - takes delivery of a fleet of 15 aircraft next September.

AirAsia X had also announced plans recently to launch flights to Britain in the fourth quarter of 2008, with London and Manchester being considered. It is also eyeing China as it expands its network.

Azran said that besides those countries, the carrier was planning to introduce routes in the Middle East, north Asia, India, Korea and Japan and central or eastern Europe within the next five years.