UPS saw higher earnings the first quarter, boosted by the growth in global air volume, the company said Thursday.

The company said first quarter profit hit $975 million, up 10 percent from $882 million a year ago.

"This was a quarter of outstanding growth that resulted in strong returns and excellent cash flow," said Mike Eskew, UPS chairman and CEO. "To drive future results, we will continue to invest in our network, technology and products to bring even more value to the customer."

Revenue for the quarter totaled $11.5 billion, compared with $9.9 billion a year earlier. Operating profit increased 12.3 percent to $1.6 billion. Net income increased 10.5 percent to $975 million.

The company also reaffirmed growth estimates for the rest of the year. "No company in this industry is better positioned to capitalize on the growth opportunities we see around the world," said Chief Financial Officer Scott Davis. "We are reaffirming our full-year 2006 guidance."