Alaska Air Group Profits Jump 29%

Alaska Air Group Inc. on Thursday reported record third-quarter profits of $42.2 million, up nearly 29 percent over last year.

The net earnings of $2.85 a share compare with profits of $32.8 million or $2.25 a share for last year’s third quarter. Operating revenues for the quarter rose 8 percent to $501.2 million from $464.9 million, the parent company for Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air said.

“It was, quite simply, an excellent quarter,” said John F. Kelly, chairman, president and chief executive officer.