(New York) American airline American Airlines tripled its second-quarter net profit, described as “fantastic” by its boss, and raised its forecast for the full year, it announced on Thursday.

“I am delighted to share with you that it has been another fantastic quarter,” wrote Robert Isom in a message to airline staff on Thursday’s earnings release.

Net profit reached $1.33 billion, compared to $476 million a year earlier. Reported per share and excluding exceptional items, it comes out at $1.88.

That’s 30 cents more per share than the analyst consensus.

Revenue rose 4.7% to $14.1 billion, beating analysts’ expectations.

It was the “best quarter in the group’s history”, Mr. Isom said.

On the strength of these performances, American Airlines has raised its objectives for the current financial year and now anticipates earnings per share of between 3 and 3.75 dollars, against 2.50 to 3.50 dollars previously.

“Demand remains strong and the work we have done to refresh our fleet and build our global network is paying off,” noted the company boss.

The stock fell 0.86% to 18.44 euros in trading prior to the opening of the New York Stock Exchange.