Cathay Pacific Group has reported a HK$24m (£2m) profit for the first six months of 2013, compared to a loss of HK$929m (£77m) in the previous year.
The airline said its new premium economy class, introduced in 2012, is growing in popularity and has helped to improve economy class yield.
Cathay Pacific chairman Christopher Pratt said: "While we continued to operate in a difficult environment in the first six months of 2013, it was pleasing to see some improvement in our business.
"This improvement mainly reflected stronger passenger business and cost reductions. "Our financial position remains strong and we will continue to invest to make our business stronger.
"We will remain focused on our long-term goals while managing short-term challenges.
"The business outlook for the rest of 2013 remains unclear, but our core strengths – a superb team, a strong international network, exceptional standards of customer service, a strong relationship with Air China and our position in Hong Kong – remain firmly in place."
