May. 17, 2012 (China Knowledge) - Chinese airlines reaped a combined gross profit of RMB 1.84 billion in April this year, after booking losses for consecutive months., according to figures from the Civil Aviation Administration of China.

Air carriers in China suffered a loss of RMB 180 million in March and a loss of RMB 540 million in February.

The gross profit in April reflected a decline of 46% YoY, due to weak demand and higher fuel costs.

Last month, Chinese airlines realized RMB 32.1 billion in revenue, 9.8% more than in the same month of last year, but saw their costs rise 12% YoY to RMB 26.75 billion as a result of increased jet fuel price.

China's air passenger volume climbed 6.9% YoY to 26.05 million in April, while its cargo throughput fell 6.9% YoY to 445,000 metric tons.