Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: NYSE:LUV) today presented revised financial guidance for the first quarter of 2024, indicating a shift in several key performance metrics.
The announcement was made during the J.P. Morgan Industrials Conference, where the company's President and CEO, Bob Jordan, addressed attendees. The presentation, along with the accompanying slides, is available for viewing on the Southwest Airlines Investor Relations website.
The updated guidance shows a decrease in the expected Revenue per Available Seat Mile (RASM), now anticipated to be flat to a 2% increase year-over-year, as opposed to the previously forecasted 2.5% to 4.5% rise. This adjustment is partly attributed to higher than expected completion factors in February and March, coupled with lower than anticipated close-in leisure passenger volume. Despite this, the company has reported robust operational performance in the first quarter, with a 99.3% completion factor since February 1.
The airline now projects an approximate 11% increase in Available Seat Miles (ASMs) year-over-year, slightly above the earlier estimate of around 10%. This reflects stronger operational performance and fewer flight cancellations than expected.
Economic fuel costs per gallon for the first quarter are estimated to be between $2.95 and $3.00, which is higher than the previous estimate of $2.70 to $2.80. The fuel hedging strategy of the company includes a premium expense per gallon of $0.08 and cash settlement gains of $0.03 per gallon.
Operational expenses excluding fuel and oil expense, profitsharing, and special items, known as CASM-X, are expected to rise about 6% year-over-year, slightly higher than the previously estimated 5% to 6% increase. This is primarily due to shifts in the timing of various expenses, including salaries, wages, and maintenance. Despite these shifts, the impact on full-year non-fuel operating expenses is expected to be neutral.
In response to the revised financial trends, Southwest has paused hiring for several workgroups, including Pilots and Flight Attendants, and projects to end the year with a lower headcount year-over-year. The company anticipates a net loss for the first quarter but expects to return to profitability in March.
Additionally, Southwest has updated its aircraft delivery expectations from Boeing (NYSE:BA). The company is now set to receive 46 Boeing 737-8 aircraft in 2024, down from the previously expected 79 737 MAX aircraft deliveries. This reduction and the current certification status of the 737-7 model have prompted Southwest to adjust its capacity and schedules, particularly for the latter half of the year.
As a result of these changes, Southwest Airlines will provide updated full-year 2024 guidance on April 25, 2024, when it reports its first-quarter financial results. The company remains committed to adjusting its operating plan to achieve its long-term financial goals.
This news is based on the latest SEC filing by Southwest Airlines.
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