Alaska Air Group reported fourth quarter 2009 net income of $24.1 million compared to a net loss of $75.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2008. Excluding mark-to-market fuel hedge gains of $31.7 million ($19.7 million after tax), the company reported net income of $4.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2009, compared to net income of $16.4 million excluding special items in the fourth quarter of 2008.
The company reported full-year 2009 net income of $121.6 million, compared to a net loss of $135.9 million in 2008. Excluding the impact of special items, the company reported 2009 net income of $88.7 million an $84.3 million improvement from the $4.4 million in 2008.