Abu Dhabi's Etihad Airways Sees Sales Jump

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Etihad Airways said on Tuesday that its sales have jumped 28 percent to $989 million so far this year as it pushed ahead with its rapid expansion, the Associated Presse reported.

The Abu Dhabi-based airline's CEO James Hogan said the airline turned a profit in the first three months of 2012. That follows its first year in the black in 2011. He declined to provide quarterly earnings figures.

A 26 percent increase in capacity helped fuel Etihad's sales growth, though airline figures show the carrier is also filling more seats on its flights.

Etihad last year bought big stakes in Air Berlin and Air Seychelles. Hogan says the carrier continues to scout for acquisition opportunities.

Etihad is in growing competition with Gulf rivals Emirates and Qatar Airways.