Southwest announced yesterday that it earned $131 million in the fourth quarter and $459 million for the full year 2010.
The figures were boosted by double-digit percentage increases in revenues for the quarter and year, compared to the same periods in 2009.
Gary Kelly, chairman and chief executive officer of Southwest, said the future looked positive also as bookings looked positive through to March 31. Passenger revenue per seat mile flown was up 5% in December.
Kelly also reiterated that Southwest has “no plans to grow our fleet significantly” until the carrier can reach its profit targets.
In a conference call Kelly said that Boeing had not answered its calls for a new more efficient aircraft, and restated the fact that the airline can handle a fleet made up of more than one aircraft type.
Kelly expects Boeing to decide by mid-year whether to revamp or replace the 737.