ATLANTA, Dec 16 (Reuters) – Southwest Airlines Co (LUV.N) said on Thursday that it expected the addition of a bigger plane and its proposed purchase of AirTran Holdings Inc (AAI.N) to drive growth even as fuel prices pose a nearer-term challenge.
The discount carrier, which stands to grow in big U.S. East Coast markets such as Atlanta and Washington should the AirTran deal proceed, told its investor meeting it expected higher fuel prices going into 2011.
“The No. 1 challenge that the industry faces is energy costs,” Chief Executive Officer Gary Kelly said during the webcast.
via UPDATE 1-Southwest upbeat on growth, cautious on fuel | Reuters.
