Q1 net profit fell 32 percent to 46 million dirhams Revenue jumped 24 percent to 1.42 billion dirhams DUBAI: Aramex failed to turn a surge in demand from e-commerce into profits as pandemic-related capacity constraints squeezed margins in the first quarter. Q1 net profit fell 32 percent to 46 million dirhams ($12.5 million) even as revenues jumped 24 percent to 1.42 billion dirhams, the Dubai-based logistics company said in a filing to the Dubai Financial Market. The increase in revenue was driven by a 35 percent gain in its International Express business to 647 million dirhams as cross-border e-commerce in the US, UK, Hong Kong and other Asian markets gathered pace. Its domestic express business grew 23 percent to 356 million dirhams, where e-commerce activity in Saudi Arabia was a major driver. “The impact of COVID-19 continues to weigh on our operating margins because of relatively high line haul costs,” CEO Bashar Obeid said in the DFM filing. “The downward pressure on margins will likely continue for the remainder of the year, however, will slowly start to abate as we continue to explore ways and redesign our line haul network.” Aramex also announced that Othman Aljeda will replace Obeid as CEO following an undisclosed transition period. Obeid resigned on April 29 after 28 years with the company and four years in the top job, citing personal reasons.