United Continental Holdings Inc (UAL.N) said on Thursday that its profit was $28 million last quarter, falling short of analysts' estimates.

The Chicago-based airline earned $461 million, or $1.20 per diluted share, excluding $433 million in special costs largely from settling losing fuel hedges and from a voluntary buyout for flight attendants. Analysts estimated, on average, the airline would earn $1.22 per diluted share, excluding certain special items, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.