HOUSTON – Continental Airlines on Thursday said profits rose 15 percent in the second quarter as the carrier realized gains from trans-Atlantic business.

Continental reported a net profit of $228 million, or $2.03 per share, compared with a year-earlier net profit of $198 million, or $1.84 per share. Revenue rose to $3.71 billion from $3.51 billion a year earlier.

Analysts polled by Thomson Financial on average expected earnings per share of $1.84 on revenue of $3.72 billion.

Shares jumped $1.62, more than 4 percent, to $38.45 at the open of trading.

Consolidated passenger revenue per available seat mile rose 0.5 percent in the quarter, as international strength offset domestic issues and reduced regional flying.

The company also said it expects its mainline capacity to grow 3 percent to 4 percent in 2008, down from an earlier target of 5 percent to 7 percent.

A service of the Associated Press(AP)