The parent company for Hawaiian Airlines ended 2013 on a strong note as the state’s largest carrier swung to a $17.1 million profit in the fourth quarter after losing $3.4 million in the year-earlier period.

Hawaiian Holdings Inc. boosted its revenue 7.9 percent to $531.9 million from $493 million.

The state’s largest carrier had earnings of 31 cents a share compared with a loss of 7 cents a share in the year-earlier period.

“The fourth quarter’s results continued the trend in improving financial performance after a difficult start to the year,” Mark Dunkerley, president and chief executive officer of Hawaiian, said today. “Demand remains strong in our markets and we have strategies to mitigate cost pressures.”

Hawaiian’s stock closed off 4 cents today at $10.29 on the Nasdaq Stock Market before the results were announced.