Business HighlightsFed survey: housing, manufacturing drive recovery WASHINGTON (AP) — Improvements in housing and manufacturing are driving the early stages of the economic recovery, according to a Federal Reserve survey released Wednesday. US Airways, Alaska Air Group report 1Q losses, while JetBlue posts a profit; more fees comingMINNEAPOLIS — First-quarter airline results are in and it’s nearly all red ink with JetBlue and AirTran the notable exceptions. Meltdown 101: Some airlines _ though not all _ see signs that drop in traffic is leveling offIn the past week, the largest U.S. airlines have reported staggering losses and a sharp downturn in traffic during the first quarter. But some airline executives think the worst might be over. Continental posts loss, AirTran turns a profit in first quarter despite travel slumpDALLAS — Continental Airlines Inc. posted a smaller loss than expected and AirTran reported a profit as falling fuel prices helped offset a sharp downturn in travel during the first quarter. |