Alaska Airlines Group pax revenue increases 5.3% in Apr-2014

Alaska Airlines Group reported (15-May-2014) passenger revenue increased by 5.3% year-over-year in Apr-2014, while capacity increased by 4.9%. Economic fuel cost/gallon decreased by 6.5% in Apr-2014. In 2Q2014, the carrier expects a 4.5% increase in capacity while cost per ASM (excluding fuel and special items) is expected to increase by 1.5% year-over-year. 2Q2014 economic fuel cost per gallon is expected to decrease by 1.5%. Alaska Airlines expects a 1% increase year-over-year in advance booked load factor in both Jun/Jul-2014. The carrier expect that its consolidated nonoperating income will be approximately USD1 million in 2Q2014, due to the gain on the sale of certain equity securities. During 2014, Alaska has repurchased 475,281 shares of its common stock for approximately USD41 million under the existing repurchase programme. [more - original PR]