Airline shares finished high on Friday due to a record increase in the shares of Continental Airlines Inc. and Northwest Airlines Corp.

Continental Airlines shares and Northwest Airlines Corp. shares increased by 4.7% while US Airways, AMR and Amex Airline rose by 4.1%, 3.8% and 3% respectively.

However, there were some reactions as S&P 500 posted 0.18% decline.

UAL shares increased by 4.3% coming after the firm's directors approval of a $2.15 special distribution per share, to holders of its common stock.

Midwest shares recorded 0.3% increase to $15.40 as the firm prepares to take over TPG Capital and Northwest Airlines Corp.

United airlines