Southwest Airlines reports fourth quarter and full year 2016 results

Southwest Airlines reported fourth quarter net income of US$522m compared with fourth quarter 2015 net income of US$536m. Excluding special items, fourth quarter net income was US$463m compared with fourth quarter 2015 net income of US$591m. Annual net income was US$2.24bn compared with 2015 net income of US$2.18bn. Excluding special items, annual net income was US$2.37bn compared with 2015 net income of US$2.36bn. Annual operating income was US$3.76bn, resulting in an operating margin of 18.4%. Excluding special items, annual operating income was US$3.96bn, resulting in an operating margin of 19.4%.