Government shutdown costing Southwest Airlines up to USD15 million
Southwest Airlines says the partial government shutdown has cost it as much as $15 million so far.
Reporting a reduced fourth-quarter profit compared to a year ago, Southwest says the shutdown is costing it some lucrative government and contractor business.
It earned $654 million, down 63% compared to a year ago but revenue was up 8.5% to $5.7 billion.
It topped analyst predictions, but CEO Gary Kelly is keen for the shutdown to end as quickly as possible.
Due to furloughed FAA inspectors, the shutdown has delayed Southwest’s eagerly awaited launch to Hawaii.
"We are anxious for the government to resolve this shutdown," Kelly said.
"My hat is off to all the federal workers that are showing up. They are heroic. They shouldn’t have to put up with this."
Delta Air Lines last week said the shutdown will cost it about $25 million.
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