US Airways Expects No Profit in 3rd Quarter

US Airways Group Inc., the sixth-largest U.S. carrier, said it won’t make a profit in its third quarter because operational problems are leading to canceled flights and lost customers. The Arlington, Va.-based airline didn’t issue a specific forecast and wouldn’t say whether it would break even or post a loss. It had been expected to earn 89 cents a share, the average estimate of analysts in a First Call survey, compared with $1.51 last year. US Airways has struggled all year to fly a full schedule amid computer system changes; the buildup of its new discount carrier, MetroJet; labor trouble; and severe weather. Earnings have suffered, and the company’s shares have lost more than a third of their value in the last three months. US Airways attributed its operational troubles in large part to ongoing labor talks. The airlines and the Machinists union entered a final round of talks on a contract for mechanics and cleaners, preceding a possible strike after midnight Sept. 25. “This poor operational performance is creating a passenger dissatisfaction, which we believe is impacting our ability to generate revenue,” US Airways said in a letter to investors. The warning came after markets closed. US Airways’ shares closed up 63 cents at $27.63 on the New York Stock Exchange.