Southwest Airlines expects slim 1Q2011 profit

Southwest Airlines is expected to report a slim 1Q2011 profit earnings before the market opens on 21-Apr-2011 (AP, 19-Apr-2011). While traffic has been high on Southwest, the carrier has been hit by rising jet fuel prices which CEO Gary Kelly states could increase the company's costs by USD1 billion. Southwest has also been dealing with bad publicity after one of its older jets sprung a 5ft hole in its roof. During 1Q2011, Southwest shares fell 2.7% which is slightly less than United Continental and much less than Delta Air Lines and American Airlines.