American Airlines released its 3rd quarter earnings report for 2013, yesterday. The company made a $530 million profit last quarter. This is 5 times as much profit as it reported one year ago. Additionally, its revenue increased 6% year over year to $6.8 billion.

The company reported a net income of $289 million for the quarter. This is a drastic change from the same quarter last year, when the company reported a net loss of $238 million. Due to the recent upturn, the company even plans to distribute $59 million to employees through a profit sharing plan. It hasn’t done this since 2001.

The company’s success is no accident. Its operating expenses fell $248 million to $6.1 billion. This is a 3.9% drop from last quarter. This is mostly due to lowering wages and salaries, as well as cutting some benefits. Its operating income for the quarter was $698 million. This is more than thirteen times the operating income for the same quarter a year ago.

Looking toward to future, American plans to add 60 new aircraft to its existing fleet of 600 in the next year. The company is trying to put itself in a position which allows it to be successful independent of the upcoming merger decision.

“As we continue to deliver substantial margin expansion and record results, we are positioning the company for long-term success,” Bella Goren, AMR’s chief financial officer, said in a press release.

The merger between American and US Airways now hinges on a decision in their antitrust lawsuit. The first trial date is on November 15th.