LONDON, Feb 13 (Reuters) - Europe's largest travel operator TUI on Tuesday reported better than expected results for its first quarter, with an operating profit of 6 million euros ($6.46 million) versus a loss of 153 million last year, on the back of robust travel demand.

It maintained its outlook for a growth in operating profit of 25% in the 2024 financial year.

Europe's airlines are entering 2024 with robust outlooks as travel demand is expected to surpass pre-pandemic levels despite economic uncertainty, delays in plane deliveries from manufacturers, and rising jet fuel prices.

The firm was expected to report a loss of 102 million euros in its first quarter of the 2024 financial year, according to an LSEG analysis.

But higher prices and forward bookings drove earnings higher in the first quarter to a slight profit.

"People's willingness to travel is still high, despite a market environment that remains challenging. We are thus creating the basis for TUI's future profitable growth," said TUI Chief Executive Sebastian Ebel in a statement.

The first quarter is usually the weakest for airlines as bookings are lowest in the first three months of the year. ($1 = 0.9289 euros) (Reporting by Joanna Plucinska; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman)