Virgin America (San Francisco) today reported its financial results for the third quarter of 2012.  The airline achieved a $15.8 million operating profit for the quarter, resulting in a four percent operating margin.  Despite the continued dual financial pressure of high fuel prices and Virgin America’s industry-leading capacity growth, the airline reported an operating profit for the quarter, improved unit costs, and an increase in average fares. For the third quarter, the carrier reported a 24 percent improvement year-over-year in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, and aircraft rental expense (EBITDAR).  Year-to-date, the airline reported a record high EBITDAR of $135.7 million, an improvement of 23 percent year-over-year. Cost per available seat mile excluding fuel (ex-fuel CASM) decreased year-over-year by three percent in the three months ended September 30, 2012. A privately-held company, the carrier is additionally forecasting an operating profit for the fourth quarter of 2012.

From the third quarter of 2010 through the third quarter of 2012, the airline increased available seat miles (ASMs) by 73 percent, significantly outpacing the industry ASM growth average of 0.4 percent.   Virgin America’s rate of growth was necessary to establish the airline’s core network and to achieve economies of scale.  However, as the airline absorbed the tail-end of this growth cycle, its entry into new markets created margin pressure which offset gains in more mature markets.  The airline’s core markets (those operated more than 24 months) achieved an operating margin of eight percent in the third quarter and were profitable year-to-date.  This strong performance in mature markets was offset by weaker performance in newer destinations added during the airline’s rapid two-year growth phase.  This phase of accelerated growth is now largely complete, as the airline plans to take delivery of just one additional aircraft in 2013—and today announces a deferred growth plan with respect to aircraft on order.  This reduction in growth will allow the carrier to continue to improve profitability, as new markets develop to match the performance of its core established network.

Virgin America announces today that it has reached an agreement to modify its Airbus aircraft order.  Under the revised agreement, Virgin America’s order for current engine option A320 aircraft will be reduced from 30 positions to ten, with delivery of those aircraft occurring in 2015 and 2016.  In addition, the airline announces it will defer its 30 Airbus A320neo positions to new delivery dates in 2020 through 2022.  Average ASM growth will decelerate from the 28 percent annual growth rate the airline has driven over the past three years, to mid single-digit annual ASM growth over the next several years.  The Company has taken delivery of 24 aircraft since the first quarter of 2010 – growing to a fleet of 52 Airbus A320 Family aircraft.

Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough. Airbus A320-214 N840VA (msn 4616) climbs to cruising altitude after departing from Dulles International Airport near Washington.

Virgin America: