Virgin America posted second-quarter net income of $8.8 million,

improving on the $31.8 million loss reported for the year-earlier period. The airline claimed its quarterly unit revenue, which rose by 7.8 percent, led the U.S. industry for a third consecutive quarter. Passenger yield inched up 1 percent year over year and passenger revenue increased 7 percent to $341 million. "Our first ever second-quarter net profit and year-to-date operating income show that our company is now poised to produce meaningful profitability," according to a statement attributed to president and CEO David Cush.