United Airlines Holdings Inc. expects a solidly profitable first quarter as the carrier capitalizes on strong demand during the winter months, a surprising shift from a normally sluggish travel period.

United predicted first-quarter profit well ahead of Wall Street’s estimates as the carrier capitalizes on unusually strong demand for premium and international travel.

United Airlines (UAL) has reported full-year and fourth-quarter 2024 financial results. The company had full-year pre-tax earnings of $4.2 billion, with a pre-tax margin of 7.3%; adjusted pre-tax earnings1 of $4.