Low cost carrier AirAsia on Thursday said net profit in the fourth quarter soared 41.5 percent on the same period last year as more passengers filled their planes.

AirAsia, which announced new routes from Thailand and Malaysia to Hong Kong last week, said net profit in the fourth quarter totaled RM185.05 million after a 45 percent increase in passenger.

The company said revenue rose 38 percent to RM432.154 million ringgit, up from RM313.725 million ringgit a year ago.

For the full year, revenue was up 51.5 percent to RM1.603 billion from RM1.058 billion. Net profit was RM498.057 million, compared to RM201.702 million last year.

The company were also optimistic for the year ahead, and said that continued economic growth across the region would boost the air travel industry.

AirAsia's board of directors also approved a change in the financial year, shifting it to end December from end June.