Frankfurt- German airline Lufthansa AG on Wednesday forecast another drop in earnings this year after reporting a 64-per-cent drop in 2008 profit due to the economic downturn.

The carrier said net profit fell to 599 million euros (757 million dollars) last year, adding that it expects its 2009 operating profit to come in "significantly positive," but lower.

Operating profit fell 2.2 per cent to 1.35 billion euros last year from 1.38 billion euros in 2007, Lufthansa said.

However, the airline expects its earnings and sales will pick up again in 2010, provided the forecast upturn in the world economy materializes.

Group sales rose 10.9 per cent in 2008 to 24.9 billion euros, following the consolidation of the company's new Swiss airlines operation. (dpa)