Shanghai International Airport Co. Ltd. Thursday said its net profits in 2018 are expected to grow 14.9 percent due to improved airport operational efficiency and increases in consumer air travel.

The net income attributable to its shareholders is estimated to reach 4.2 billion yuan (625 million U.S. dollars), the operator of Shanghai Pudong International Airport, the country's second busiest, said in its unaudited preliminary earnings estimate filed to the Shanghai Stock Exchange.

Its revenues are estimated to rise 15.4 percent year on year to 9.3 billion yuan, it said.

Shanghai Pudong International Airport handled 74 million passengers and 3.77 million tonnes of cargo and mail in 2018.

Shares of Shanghai International Airport Co. rose 0.87 percent to 56.8 yuan on Thursday.