Why The Airlines Are Finally Profitable

By Sammy Pollack:Many pundits have argued that the bankruptcy of American Airlines parent, AMR Corporation (AMR), bodes well for other stocks in the industry.

By AnalytixInsight:Southwest Airlines Co. (LUV) reports preliminary financial results for the quarter ended 2012-09-30.

Brian Nelson submits: The worst sort of business is one that grows rapidly, requires significant capital to engender the growth, and then earns little or no money. Think airlines. Here a durable competitive advantage has proven elusive ever since the days of the Wright Brothers.

By Adam Levine-Weinberg:Numerous airline stocks hit 52-week highs last Friday, including Delta Air Lines (DAL), United Continental Holdings (UAL), Southwest Airlines (LUV), US Airways (

By Dana Blankenhorn: For many years airlines have been a no-go zone for growth investors.

By Adam Levine-Weinberg:Airline stocks, and particularly the major network carriers, have significantly outperformed the broader market over the past two and a half months.

By Adam Levine-Weinberg:We are likely near the beginning of a long-term uptrend for airline stocks. The operating environment for airlines is improving due to capacity reductions and moderating jet fuel prices. All the major airlines are expected to see substantial profit improvement next year, in spite of a weak economic forecast.

By Adam Levine-Weinberg:2011 was a difficult year for most airline stocks. The six largest US carriers each lost at least 20% over the course of the year.