Airline stocks take off after Warren Buffett invests

Airline stocks took off after billionaire investor Warren Buffett disclosed a stake in the nation's four largest carriers.

Stocks of Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, United Continental and Southwest Airlines each got a boost after Monday's revelation.

Buffett investment firm Berkshire Hathaway's investments suggest the Oracle of Omaha has had a change of heart about the money-making prospects of an industry he had long shunned.

In a securities filing, Berkshire valued its Delta, American and United stakes as of Sept. 30 at $249 million, $797 million and $238 million, respectively. Buffett revealed the Southwest stake to CNBC, saying that those shares were not acquired until after the filing period.

Delta's shares (DAL) were up 0.5% to $47.68 in late afternoon trading Tuesday. American's stock (AAL) jumped 3.2% to $44.78. United shares (UAL) increased 4.3% to $65.62. And Southwest's stock (LUV) rose 2% to $46.24.

Berkshire shares (BRK.A) fell 0.5% to $235,500.

Follow Paste BN reporter Nathan Bomey on Twitter @NathanBomey.