Airline profits and losses.

[moneysense]

Southwest Airlines saw a profit in the first quarter due to a rebound in business travel. Southwest Airlines carries more passengers per year than any of the other airlines.

Continental Airlines is the 3rd large airline to show a big loss for the same quarter.

Since a drop in earnings is usually seen between the winter holidays and the summer vacations, analysts are expecting things to get better for the rest of the year.

One thing that doesnt help the airlines to make a profit is the rise in jet fuel prices. For instance, Continental Airlines price per gallon jumped 17% which does not make it easy for this airline to show a profit.

Continental may merge with United Airlines which would make the biggest airline in the world.