American Airlines(AAL) stock is up more than 10% in early afternoon trading. The company expects to report its first pretax quarterly profit since the start of the pandemic. AAL stock reflects growing enthusiasm, although investors should consider the quality of earnings. Source: GagliardiPhotography / Shutterstock.comFew other industries have suffered as catastrophic of a collapse as air travel. That makes the recent news forAmerican Airlines(NASDAQ:AAL) stock that much sweeter. For the upcoming second quarter, management expects to post itsfirst pretax profitsince the start of the pandemic. Robust demand has bolstered the airline industry, leading to AAL stock gaining nearly 10% so far today.Like AAL, analysts expect many major U.S. airlines to post some of their strongest earnings since