(ANSA) - BELGRADE, 03 LUG - The Serbian national air carrier Air Serbia has reported a net profit of 15.7 million euro for 2017, an increase of 14.8 million compared to a year earlier, Air Serbia said in a statement, adding that the company's total operating income has reached EUR 288 million.

Air Serbia said that operating expenses have been also decreased by 7%, while sales revenue was increased by 4%. The total number of passengers carried in 2017 remained in line with those transported in 2016, with more than 2.62 million carried to and from Belgrade. In a separate statement, Air Serbia and Etihad Airways announced that they have agreed "that equity partnership of two airlines is going to be continued. Etihad continues to own 49 per cent of Air Serbia and remains a fully committed and supportive shareholder in partnership with Air Serbia's majority shareholder, the Government of Serbia." (ANSA).