Southwest profitability continues amid economic pessimism
Southwest reported net income of USD161 million for 2Q2011, bettering Wall Street expectations. The profit was a 43.8% jump from 2Q2010 on a 30.6% increase in operating revenues of USD4.1 billion. However, operating expenses rose faster at a 41.1% clip to USD3.9 billion in the quarter. Operating income was down significantly for the quarter from USD363 million posted a year ago to USD207 million in 2Q2011.
