Airports of Thailand (AoT) has posted almost 800 million baht ($24.2 milllion) in net profit for its fiscal first quarter, as passenger traffic recovers at its six airports.

AoT reported a net profit of 798.05 million baht for the quarter ended 31 December 2009. This is compared with a net loss of 1.68 billion baht in the corresponding period a year ago, says AoT.

It posted operating revenues of 6.2 billion baht, and total operating expenses of 4.8 billion baht, adds the airport operator.

Operating income for the quarter was 1.4 billion baht, says AoT.

It attributes the improved financial performance to higher passenger traffic at its six airports due to a recovery in Thailand's tourism market.

The appreciation of the Thai baht has also led to a gain from foreign exchange rate adjustments, adds the airport operator.

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news