US Airways posts record 3Q profit

Friday, October 19, 2012, Vol. 36, No. 42

DALLAS (AP) — US Airways says it earned $245 million in the third quarter, its best profit ever for the 3-month period that covers much of the peak summer vacation season.

The airline says it would have earned $192 million, or 98 cents per share, before gains such as a swap of airport landing slots with Delta Air Lines.

Analysts were expecting 92 cents per share excluding one-time items.

Revenue rose 3 percent to $3.53 billion but fell short of analysts' expectations of $3.55 billion.

CEO Doug Parker says the revenue environment remains strong. Travel demand has been strong enough to allow airlines to raise prices about a dozen times since the start of 2011.