United Airlines forecast first-quarter adjusted earnings of 75 cents to $1.25 a share. The company will hold a conference call with analysts Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. ET. The carrier has been ramping up competition with Delta Air Lines for high-spending travelers.

United Airlines posted better-than-estimated fourth-quarter results and gave a bullish current-quarter outlook on the back of increased consumer demand for premium travel.

United Airlines Holdings Inc. expects a solidly profitable first quarter as the carrier capitalizes on strong demand during the winter months, a surprising shift from a normally sluggish travel period.

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.

United predicted first-quarter profit well ahead of Wall Street’s estimates as the carrier capitalizes on unusually strong demand for premium and international travel.

The Chicago-based carrier reported fourth-quarter adjusted earnings of $3.26 per share, above the $3.03 a share analysts expected.