(Reuters) – Southwest Airlines Co posted a smaller third-quarter loss on Thursday as widespread vaccinations boosted travel demand ahead of the peak holiday season.
“Despite the deceleration of traffic in August and September due to surging COVID-19 cases, the third quarter 2021 demand and revenue performance was quite strong,” said Chief Executive Officer Gary Kelly.
The company flagged lingering effects from the summer COVID-19 surge and recent operational challenges to fourth-quarter revenue, but said it was encouraged by renewed momentum in leisure and business traffic.
Despite robust demand, a recent surge in fuel prices has proved painful for the aviation industry with Delta Air warning of a fourth quarter pre-tax loss on higher fuel expenses and suggesting it might have to pass on higher costs to consumers.
Excluding items, the Dallas-based airline’s net loss narrowed to $135 million, or 23 cents per share, in the quarter ended Sept. 30, from $1.17 billion, or $1.99 per share, a year earlier.
Total operating revenue surged 161% to $4.68 billion from a year earlier.
(Reporting by Sanjana Shivdas in Bengaluru; Editing by Vinay Dwivedi)
