Washington — United Airlines on Wendesday as it reported its results for the first quarter of 2022 said it expects to return to profitability in the second quarter on a robust operating revenue outlook, sending shares up 8 per cent in extended trading sessions.

The Chicago-based airline expects to be solidly profitable in the second quarter with an approximate 10-per-cent operating margin, just 2.9 points less than 2019 operating margin and 3.5 points less than 2019 adjusted operating margin, despite cost headwinds driven by the recent fuel price spike.

"The demand environment is the strongest it's been in my 30 years in the industry - and United and its customers will benefit more than any other airline," United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said.

"We're now seeing clear evidence that the second quarter will be an historic inflection point for our business. It leaves me more optimistic than ever about United's future."

The company closed Wednesday's trading at 46.52 dollars, up 0.57 dollars or 1.24 per cent, on the NYSE. The stock further gained 3.68 dollars or 7.91 per cent in the after-hours trading.

©2022 dpa GmbH. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.