CALGARY — WestJet Airlines Ltd. says it swung to a profit in the second quarter ahead of Onex Corp. taking the ******* private in a $3.5-billion deal.

The Calgary-based company had net earnings of $44.3 million in the quarter ending June 30, compared with a loss of $15.8 million in the same quarter last year.

Diluted earnings per share worked out to 38 cents each for the quarter, compared with a loss of 14 cents per share in the same quarter last year.

The company saw total revenue climb to $1.21 billion from $1.09 billion last year as it flew 3.5 per cent more travellers in the quarter.

On Friday, the Court of Queen’s Bench of Alberta granted a final order approving the proposed transaction with Onex Corporation. The deal, which would see Onex acquiring and taking private the company for $31 a share, was approved by more than 92.5% of shareholders and optionholders who voted at a special meeting of WestJet held on July 23.

The deal is still subject to some closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.

The offer was a reduction from the preliminary price of $35.75 per share submitted in March due to uncertainties related to the grounding of ********** Max jets, according to the proxy circular provided to shareholders.

“We are very pleased with this significant return to second quarter profitability,” said WestJet President & CEO Ed Sims.

The company’s board has declared a cash dividend of 14 cents per share for the third quarter, to be paid out at the end of September.

With file from The Canadian Press