AirTran posts 3Q profit of $10.4 million

ATLANTA - AirTran Airways' financial results are benefiting from the discount carrier's low costs and laser focus on domestic routes where it believes it can make money.

Its Orlando, Fla.-based parent company reported Wednesday a $10.4 million profit, or 8 cents a share, even though sales declined more than 11 percent. A year ago it reported a $94.6 million loss.

The July-September results mark AirTran's third quarter in a row of profit as most major U.S. carriers struggle amid weak overall demand for business and international travel.

Revenue fell to $597.4 million from $673.3 million a year ago.