As the third quarter numbers start rolling in, some airlines are prepping their books for a bumpy Q4. According to reports, US Airways and Delta Air Lines are among the airlines reporting losses in Q3 2009, but both airlines are optimistic for the next few months.
US Airways reported an $80 million loss as revenue fell 16.6% from the same period last year, to $2.72 billion. Delta Air Lines, after reporting a $161 million Q3 loss, announced it will cut system capacity 3 percent in 2010 and shed more jobs. Delta's merger with Northwest Airlines earlier this year made Delta the world's largest
airline in operation, but the down economy and lost sales prevented Delta from boosting the bottom line.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Alaska Airlines and JetBlue both reported Q3 profits. Alaska Airlines was named the top airline in on-time performance, helping it bolster a profitable third quarter. The airline reported $87.6 million in Q3 profit.
JetBlue said its low-cost attitude has helped win over flyers in Q3. While the airline charges for some in-flight entertainment (on-demand movies, for example), JetBlue said it's main focus is setting up the new reservations system, which it plans will be fully functional by early next year.
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