ABX Air has reported net earnings of US$68.9 million for the fourth quarter and US$90.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2006.

Pre-tax earnings associated with services for DHL Express improved, despite lower revenues from that business, for both the fourth quarter and full year 2006.

DHL-related revenues declined in 2006, principally because DHL assumed management of its line-haul trucking operations from ABX Air in May 2006.

However, operating results associated with ABX Air's non-DHL businesses increased, driven by expanded air charter operations. Revenues from ABX Air's non-DHL air charter segment increased by 93 per cent to US$8.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2006.

"We finished strong in 2006, with earnings gains and positive operating cash flow. Those gains provide a solid platform for making still further progress in our businesses during 2007," said ABX Air President and chief executive officer, Joe Hete.