United CEO Says Profitability, Shareholder Buybacks a Priority

United Airlines President and CEO Jeff Smisek says lower fuel prices are allowing the airline to use its profits to invest in its operations and remain profitable. Smisek, speaking at the Aspen Ideas Festival in Aspen, Colorado, talked about the airline's push to privatize air traffic controllers, saying it would improve efficiency. Congress is currently looking into the proposal. Smisek also said that lower fuel prices enable United to invest in its operations, and that staying profitable is a key priority for the airline. He said the airline would continue to buy back shares and eventually would like to pay a dividend to shareholders. But he added that lower fuel prices won't necessarily translate into lower ticket prices because demand for airline travel remains high. TheStreet's Rhonda Schaffler has details from Aspen, Colorado.