Earnings: How the airlines are faring

By The Associated Press

A look at this week's earnings from select airlines:

-- United Continental Holdings Inc. lost $448 million in the first quarter as computer difficulties delayed flights, hurt bookings and frustrated passengers. A growing fuel bill didn't help. And travel is usually weak in the first three months of the year. Revenue growth at the world's biggest airline lagged when compared with No. 2 Delta Air Lines Inc. But on an adjusted basis, United's loss of 87 cents per share was actually less than analysts had feared.

-- Delta Air Lines Inc. reported a first-quarter profit as gains from hedging its fuel costs made up for losses in its day-to-day operations. Minus the gain from hedging and other items, Delta would have lost $39 million, or 5 cents per share. Still, Delta said that was its smallest first-quarter operating loss since 2000.

-- US Airways Group Inc. reported first-quarter net income of $48 million, or 28 cents per share. Without a one-time gain, the airline would have lost $22 million, or 13 cents per share. That was smaller than the year-ago operating loss and revenue rose 10 percent. US Airways, like other airlines, has raised airfares to try to offset higher fuel costs. The company also said it's trying to get the support of American Airlines' creditors for a merger of the two airlines, after winning the backing of three of American's unions.

-- JetBlue Airways Corp. recorded one of the industry's few quarterly profits. The airline earned $30 million, or 9 cents per share, thanks to higher fares and a 14 percent increase in traffic.