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

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.