Air Arabia shareholders approved the distribution of a nine percent cash dividend for the 2015 financial year at the company’s AGM in Sharjah.

The dividend, which is equivalent to 9 fils per share, reflects another year of healthy growth and strong profitability for the “MENA’s first and largest low-cost airline.”

During the AGM, the assembly approved the report of the company’s auditors for the financial year ending Dec. 31, 2015, as well as the balance sheet and profit and loss accounts for the same period.

The board of directors and auditors of the company were also discharged from liability for the financial year ending Dec. 31, 2015, while auditors for the next fiscal year were appointed and their remuneration fixed.

The assembly also granted approval to amend Air Arabia’s articles of association in line with Federal Law No. 2 of 2015 concerning commercial companies.

“Following another year of solid growth and achievement, Air Arabia is delighted to return profit to our shareholders in the form of a healthy nine percent cash dividend,” said Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammad Al-Thani, chairman of Air Arabia.

“Despite ongoing concerns in the global economy and continued pressure on yields in the aviation industry, with innovation and operational efficiency at the heart of our business, Air Arabia remains well positioned for growth in 2016.”

For the full year ending Dec. 31, 2015, Air Arabia reported a net profit of AED 531 million while turnover reached AED3.8 billion in 2015, with passenger numbers increasing by 12 percent to more than 7.6 million.

2015 was a year of significant route expansion with 23 routes added to the Air Arabia network. The airline also added a fifth international hub with the formation of Air Arabia Jordan and the opening of a fixed-based operation at Amman Queen Alia International Airport.