US Airways, which is in the midst of a federal lawsuit that aims to stop its proposed merger with American Airlines, said Wednesday that it posted a $216 million profit in the third quarter — less than last year, largely because of higher taxes.

Planes were fuller, fuel was cheaper, and fares were higher, helping US Airways make a profit amounting to $1.04 per diluted share, counting special items such as costs related to the pending merger.

During the same three-month period in 2012, the airline company had net income of $245 million, or $1.24 per share. But the company had to pay $1 million in income taxes vs. $120 million in taxes in the last quarter.

Before taxes, and without special items, US Airways would have seen a record profit of $367 million for the quarter.

Revenue increased to roughly $3.86 billion, a 9.1% jump over last year that was also slightly above analyst predictions of $3.84 billion, according to FactSet.

With American Airlines reporting last week that it had a third-quarter profit of $289 million, the would-be merger partners appear to be doing well on their own. But Scott Kirby, US Airways' president, said during an earnings call with investors and media that the tie-up is still necessary.

"Strong companies merge all the time, and the point of this merger is we will be stronger, we will be able to attract more customers ... if we're allowed to merge,'' Kirby said. "The fact that we're currently making profits today doesn't change that in any way whatsoever.''

US Airways was set to join forces with American Airlines, creating what would become the largest carrier in the world. But in a move that stunned industry watchers, the Department of Justice, along with the attorneys general for several states and the District of Columbia, filed suit to stop the tie-up. They contend that the merger would increase fares and shrink competition.

The trial is set to start on Nov. 25.

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