Airline Winners and Losers: Southwest

American Airlines parent AMR Corp. (AMR Quote) led the airline sector in a reverse spin upward Wednesday, after it said it lost money in the first quarter, but the results still topped Wall Street's forecasts.

Shares across the sector slipped in early trading, but quickly turned up in response to AMR's release.

AMR lost $375 million, or $1.35 per share, in the first quarter as passenger demand sank, but the carrier was aided by cheaper fuel. Analysts expected a loss of $1.68 per share.

AMR is the first big airline company to report first-quarter results. Analysts predict all the major carriers to post losses, except for Southwest (LUV Quote).

Oil prices fell below $50 per barrel in midday trading amid more disappointing economic news and a report of swelling crude stockpiles. Benchmark crude for May delivery fell 32 cents to $49.09 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

Among airline stocks, AMR leaped 71 cents, or 16.8%, to $4.93. Continental Airlines (CAL Quote) gained $1.08, or 9.1%, to $12.96. US Airways (LCC Quote) gained 28 cents, or 8.3%, to $3.65.

Southwest, which is set to report earnings on Thursday, added 28 cents, or 3.9%, to $7.55.