Airlines in the United States revealed third-quarter earnings this week with mixed results and falling share prices. The falling cost of fuel has still been impacted on by the weak economic environment which continues to be the major influence affecting flights.

Some US-based carriers have reported falls in share prices of up to 12% as the future remains cloudy for high margin business travel.

AirTran Holdings and Continental Airways were among the few to record mild third quarter profits, whereas as AMR, the parent company of American Airlines revealed a loss.

Nationally, the low fares and fewer flights experienced in recent months has resulted in most US carriers announcing financial losses of up to 20% as demand continues to be limited. Although authorities confirmed that fourth quarter bookings showed a sign of a slight recovery the situation was still very much unclear, particularly for the larger income generating business sector.

Much of the hesitancy revolves around a resurgent oil market which would have huge implications of the bottom line of airline operators. In the last week oil prices reached $81 a barrel, the highest level recorded in the last 12 months.

In financial terms, AMR led the price fall with an 11% decrease in profits from June to September – a loss of $359, while United shares fell 12.5% and AirtTran by 7.6%. Continental made a net loss of $18 million as compared to $230 million for the same period last year. American Ailrines lost over $260 million.