FORT WORTH, Texas—A big merger and cheaper jet fuel are doing wonders for American Airlines.
The world’s biggest airline reported Friday that its net income jumped 80 percent in the third quarter to $1.69 billion despite lower revenue.
Earnings got a big lift as fuel costs plunged 43 percent, a savings of $1.46 billion.
American also announced a new $2 billion share-buyback program.
On top of that, the company said it has seen no problems since combining the reservations systems of American and US Airways last weekend. That technology crossover tripped up United Airlines after its merger with Continental.
With the results, American joined Delta, United and Southwest in reporting higher profits in the latest quarter, as lower fuel prices trumped flat or falling revenue.
