Alaska Air Group said Thursday its first-quarter net income rose 67 percent to a record $149 million.
The SeaTac-based operator of Alaska Air and Horizon Air said it earned $1.12 per share, compared to 68 cents per share or $94 million in the same period a year earlier.
The strong results come as Alaska, the dominant carrier at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, squares off with Delta Airlines, which has established a hub in Seattle and expanded its routes serving the region.
“Our record first quarter results reflect lower fuel prices, but more importantly the tremendous loyalty of our customers in Seattle and across our system,” CEO Brad Tilden said in a statement. “It is gratifying to see such strong growth and financial results given unprecedented competition.”