Air Canada, Canada’s largest airline, posted big gains in 2017. The company’s 2017 earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, impairment and aircraft rent of $2.92 billion for 2017 was an increase of $153 million over the full year 2016 figure of $2.76 billion, or about 5.2 percent.

The airline’s adjusted pre-tax income was $1.15 billion in 2017, up from $1.14 billion in 2016. On generally accepted accounting principles basis, the airline reported record income before income taxes of $1.27 billion in 2017, compared to $877 million in 2016.

“Our strong 2017 results underscore the effectiveness of our transformation strategy, as well as the success of our global expansion and the power of our comprehensive network,” said Calin Rovinescu, president and CEO, Air Canada. “We profitably expanded our global network with 30 new routes launched, and carried a record 48 million customers, while maintaining our focus on cost discipline and continuing to improve margins.

“Our achievements were driven by the hard work and commitment of our 30,000 employees and I commend them for enthusiastically embracing positive change at Air Canada. I especially want to thank our colleagues from our various operations branches who worked through extremely challenging and disruptive winter conditions over the holiday period, for their commitment and professionalism in bringing our customers safely to their destinations.”

The company continues to expand aggressively around the world.