Alaska Air Group remains optimistic about reinstating its financial projections when it reports second-quarter earnings, provided jet fuel prices become more predictable, according to Chief Financial Officer Shane Tackett.
Speaking at the International Air Transport Association’s annual conference in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday, Tackett explained that fuel market fluctuations prompted the airline to withdraw its full-year financial outlook. While volatility has decreased in recent weeks, prices continue to swing approximately 5% within just a few days.
“We want to see a little bit more stability in the backdrop,” Tackett stated during the industry gathering.
The airline anticipates a more challenging second quarter than originally projected due to recent fuel price increases. However, Tackett expressed confidence that increased ticket prices and strong passenger demand will help counterbalance most negative impacts during the year’s second half. He projected that operating cash burn could reach zero or become slightly positive in the latter six months.
Alaska recently secured $1 billion in financing through a combination of secured and unsecured debt. Tackett indicated the company has no immediate plans for additional liquidity measures or reductions in capital expenditures.
Business travel bookings for the upcoming 90 days show increases of 20% to 30% compared to the same period last year across most regions and industry sectors, according to Tackett.
The airline is collaborating with energy firms to obtain additional jet fuel for West Coast operations from international markets like Singapore, as refining profit margins remain high in Alaska’s primary operating areas.
Regarding fleet operations, Tackett confirmed no current intentions to retire Hawaiian’s Airbus A330s or A321s, stating the carrier expects to remain an Airbus operator “for a long time.”
