Hawaiian Holdings reports strong operating profit growth in 1Q2015

Hawaiian Holdings revenue up 3% - financial highlights for three months ended 31-Mar-2015:

• Operating revenue: USD540.3 million, +2.9% year-on-year;
• Operating costs: USD469.1 million, -8.9%;
• • Fuel: USD111.3 million, -34.9%;
  • Labour: USD120.0 million, +11.6%;
• Operating profit: USD71.2 million, +609%;
• Net profit: USD25.9 million, compared to a loss of USD5.1 million in p-c-p;
• Passenger numbers: 2.5 million, +4.8%;
• Passenger load factor: 79.1%, -0.9 ppt;
• Operating revenue per ASM: USD 12.77 cents, -1.7%;
• Operating cost per ASM: USD 11.09 cents, -13.0%;
• Cost per ASM excl fuel: USD 8.46 cents, -0.6%;
• Unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments: USD488 million;
• Outstanding debt and capital lease obligations: USD962 million. [more - original PR]

Hawaiian Holdings: "Producing these record results for the seasonally weak first quarter demonstrates the growing strength of our business. Low fuel prices and strong demand across our network combined to more than offset the impact of a strengthening U.S. dollar, declining fuel surcharges in some markets and an increase in industry capacity between North America and Hawai'i. Reflecting this performance we have announced a USD100 million share repurchase program today," Mark Dunkerley, President and CEO. Source: Company statement, 23-Apr-2015.