JETSTAR Asia reported capacity growth of 46 per cent during the 2011 financial year, as the low-cost carrier continued to grow its network from Singapore.

According to Jetstar Asia, more than 2.7 million people flew with the airline in the 12 months leading up till June 30, 2011, up from 2.2 million the year before.

With most of the new capacity growth coming online in the second half of the year, increased passenger numbers are expected to be fully realised in the next full financial year.

In addition, Jetstar Asia increased its Normalised Profit Before Tax to S$18 million (US$14 million). This contributed to a record result for the Jetstar Group overall, which posted a 29 per cent increase in earnings before interest and tax of A$169 million (US$168. 4 million), and total passenger growth of 14 per cent to 19 million passengers.

Jetstar Asia CEO, Chong Phit Lian, said: "We have achieved both growth and profit for a second year, as well as delivering on our Chinese growth plan and servicing Singapore with first-time access to value-based, longhaul flying.”

“This result provides us the momentum for further growth of the Singapore hub, including a continued focus on China with flights to Ningbo (already launched), and longhaul flights to Beijing starting in November,” she added.