Virgin America Net Profit Jumps 76 Percent

Virgin America reported a 76 percent jump in quarterly profit, helped by higher US travel and lower fuel costs.

The company's net income rose to USD$65 million in the second quarter from USD$37 million a year earlier.

Total operating revenue rose 0.5 percent to USD$400.9 million.

The airline said it expects capacity to increase by 2-3 percent in the third quarter.

Virgin America's US-focused operations have sheltered the company from a strong dollar, which has crimped revenues at rivals that fly internationally.

Low oil prices have also reduced fuel costs for airlines. Virgin America said fuel expenses fell to USD$2.18 per gallon from USD$3.11 in the second quarter ended June 30.

The airline, which leases all 53 of its Airbus A320s, said it expects to take delivery of five more planes between January and June 2016.