Top performing stocks of 2006

2006 was kind to many airlines, but it was especially good to Continental, whose stock nearly doubled over the year. Easing oil prices and a surge in fliers led to stronger results for the airline, despite growing labor costs. And of major U.S. airlines, Continental does the most business in international flights - one part of the market where low-cost carriers still haven't made a dent.

The airline turned in its first profitable year since 2003, but that thin margin will be hard to sustain if fuel prices rise or competition increases.

See more Fortune 500 data for Continental Airlines