Air China Ltd posted a 4.95 billion yuan ($788.80 million) net profit in 2012, down 33.82 percent year-on-year, the airline said on Tuesday.

The carrier's revenue increased 2.78 percent year-on-year to 99.84 billion yuan, and its costs increased 5.32 percent.

The global economic recession, high oil prices and fiercer competition are the reasons behind the lackluster results for the aviation industry, Air China said.

The carrier's average load factor was 80.41 percent in 2012 and its passenger number increased 3.92 percent year-on-year.

At the end of 2012, its fleet comprised 301 aircraft and it operated 284 passenger routes, including 72 international routes.