United Airlines offers an upbeat outlook on improved pricing power

United Airlines on Tuesday forecast a stronger-than-expected profit in the current quarter, after its earnings topped Wall Street estimates in the fourth quarter on robust travel demand and improved pricing power. The Chicago-based airline's shares were up about 4% in after-hours trading. United said it is witnessing a strong and broad-based demand for travel across all geographies. In the December quarter, sales of its premium and basic economy seats were up 10% and 20% year-on-year, respectively. Corporate bookings rose 7% from a year ago. The company said accelerating demand trends have put it on the path to double-digit pre-tax margins in 2025, up from 7.3% a year ago. United and rival U.S. carriers are also benefiting from a sharp reduction in airline seats in the domestic market, which has driven up ticket prices and bolstered the industry's earnings outlook. Airline fares rose at their fastest pace in 21 months in December on a combination of a limited supply of seats and strong holiday travel demand.<br/>