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4th-Quarter 2009 Airline Financial Data: Low-Cost and Regional Airlines Report Profits, Network Carriers Report Loss
4th-Quarter 2009 Airline Financial Data: Low-Cost and Regional Airlines Report Profits, Network Carriers Report Loss
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Monday, May 3, 2010 - Low-cost and regional airline groups reported operating profits in the fourth quarter of 2009 while the network airline group returned to a loss after one profitable quarter (Table 1), the U.S. Department of Transportation's Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) reported today in a release of preliminary data.
BTS, a part of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration, reported that the airline industry collected at least $1.9 billion through ancillary fees in the fourth quarter of 2009, up 18.3 percent from the fourth quarter of 2008 (Table 1A). The ancillary fees constituted 6.5 percent of the total revenue of the 32 carriers that reported receiving ancillary fees (Table 1B). For the year, the carriers collected $7.8 billion in ancillary fee revenue, compared to $5.5 billion in 2008.
From October to December, the airlines collected $736 million in baggage fees (Table 1C), $564 million from reservation change fees (Table 1D), and $611 million from other ancillary fees, such as pet transportation fees and frequent flyer award program mileage sales (Table 1E). Revenue from seating assignments and on-board sales of food, drink, pillows, blankets, entertainment, or any other ancillary items are reported in a different category with other items.
Delta Air Lines collected $425.7 million in the fourth quarter ancillary fees, the most of any carrier, while 21.0 percent of Spirit Airlines operating revenue came from ancillary fees, a larger percent than any other carrier. See Table 1A for the 10 airlines that collected the most in total ancillary fees in the fourth quarter. For other carriers and additional historic data, go to Passenger Baggage, Reservation Cancellation Fees or Miscellaneous Operating Revenue at BTS Schedule P-12.
In 2009, the airlines collected $2.7 billion in baggage fees (Table 1C), $2.4 billion from reservation change fees (Table 1D), and $2.7 billion from other ancillary fees, such as pet transportation fees and frequent flyer award program mileage sales (Table 1E). Delta collected $1,647.6 million in annual ancillary fees, the most of any carrier (Table 1A).
Operating Margins
The group of airlines covered in this press release reported their third consecutive profitable operating quarter but the fourth quarter profit margin was the smallest of the three quarters (Table 1). See Airline Financial Data Press Releases for historic data. Operating margin measures profit or loss as a percentage of the airlines total operating revenue.
The seven network carriers posted a loss margin of -1.2 percent in the fourth quarter with a combined operating loss of $275 million (Table 2). In the fourth quarter of 2008, these carriers reported a loss margin of -6.7 percent with a loss of $1.684 billion.
The top three operating profit margins were reported by low-cost carriers Allegiant Air and Spirit and regional carrier Atlantic Southeast Airlines (Tables 3, 4). Network carriers American Airlines, Delta and Continental Airlines, low-cost carriers Frontier Airlines and Virgin America and regional carriers Comair and ExpressJet Airlines reported the only operating loss margins (Table 2, 3, 4).
Network carriers operate a significant portion of their flights using at least one hub where connections are made for flights on a spoke system. Low-cost carriers are those that the industry recognizes as operating under a low-cost business model, with lower infrastructure and aircraft operating costs. Regional carriers provide service from small cities, using primarily regional jets to support the network carriers hub and spoke systems. The selected groups consist of those airlines in each group with the highest reported operating revenue in the most recent 12-month period.
Fuel Expenses
The seven network airlines spent 22.0 percent of their operating expenses in the fourth quarter of 2009 on fuel, compared to 19.2 percent in the fourth quarter of 2004 (Table 6).
The network carriers spent 3.26 cents per available seat-mile (ASM) for fuel in the fourth quarter of 2009, up from 3.24 cents per ASM in the third quarter of 2009 and down from 4.89 cents per ASM in the fourth quarter of 2008 (Table 5).
Regional carriers American Eagle Airlines, Comair and Horizon Air spent the most for fuel per ASM while regional carriers ExpressJet, Atlantic Southeast and SkyWest Airlines spent the least (Tables 6, 7, 8).
ExpressJets fuel expenses have been assumed by Continental for operations that the mainline carrier has directed its regional partner to fly. United Airlines has assumed similar expenses for its regional partner Atlantic Southeast.
For airline fuel expenses, see Tables 5-8. For additional detail on airline fuel cost and consumption, see the BTS Airline Fuel Cost and Consumption web page.
Unit Costs
Unit costs for the network carriers dropped from 16.2 cents per ASM in the fourth quarter of 2008 to 14.9 cents per ASM in the fourth quarter of 2009 (Table 9).
The carriers with the highest unit costs were regional airlines Horizon and American Eagle and network carrier US Airways. The lowest unit costs were reported by regional carrier ExpressJet and low-cost carriers Allegiant and Spirit (Tables 10-12).
Unit Revenues
The seven network carriers unit revenues in the fourth quarter of 2009 were 14.7
cents per ASM compared to 15.2 cents in the fourth quarter of 2008 (Table 13).
The highest unit revenues were reported by regional carriers Horizon and American Eagle and network carrier US Airways. The lowest unit revenues were reported by regional carrier ExpressJet and low-cost carriers Virgin America and Spirit (Tables 14-16).
Passenger Yield
The seven network airlines passenger yield was 12.1 cents per revenue passenger-mile (RPM) in the fourth quarter of 2009, down from 13.3 cents per RPM in the fourth quarter of 2008 (Table 17). Passenger revenue yield measures passenger revenues against total travel by dividing passenger revenues by RPMs.
The top passenger revenue yields were reported by regional carriers American Eagle, Horizon and Comair. The lowest passenger revenue yields were reported by regional carrier ExpressJet and low-cost carriers Allegiant, Spirit and Virgin America. American reported the highest passenger yield of any network carrier (Tables 18-20).
Reporting Notes
This release consists of domestic plus international, or system, financial reports for the airlines. For additional revenue and operating profit/loss numbers, go to the BTS home page and use the links in the Airline Industry box.
Airline financial data from the fourth quarter of 2009 and previous quarters are posted on the BTS website at TranStats, the Intermodal Transportation Database, http://www.transtats.bts.gov/Fields.asp?Table_ID=295. Data are compiled from quarterly financial and monthly traffic reports filed with BTS by commercial air carriers.
Financial and traffic data are preliminary and include data received by BTS as of April 22. Revised carrier data and late data filings will be made available monthly on TranStats on the Monday following the second Tuesday of the month. Data are subject to revision. BTS will release first quarter 2010 financial data on June 14.
Table 1: Passenger Airline System* Quarterly Operating Profit/Loss Margin (In Percent)
Ranked by 4th Quarter 2009 Margin
(Operating Profit/Loss as Percent of Total Operating Revenue)
| 4Q 2009 Rank | Airline Group | 4th Quarter 2008 (%) | 1st Quarter 2009 (%) | 2nd Quarter 2009 (%) | 3rd Quarter 2009 (%) | 4th Quarter 2009 (%) | 4th Quarter Operating Profit/Loss $(Millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Low-Cost | 3.9 | 2.9 | 7.0 | 4.2 | 5.5 | 267 |
| 2 | Regional | 4.9 | 4.3 | 7.2 | 8.3 | 3.9 | 69 |
| 3 | Network | -6.7 | -4.0 | -0.5 | 1.4 | -1.2 | -275 |
| 21-Carrier Total | -4.4 | -2.4 | 1.2 | 2.3 | 0.2 | 61 |
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics; Form 41, Schedule P1.2
* System = domestic + international
Table 1A: Ancillary Fee Revenue*
Ranked by 4th Quarter 2009 Ancillary Fee Revenue
Dollars in Millions (000,000)
| 4Q 2009 Rank | Airline | 4th Quarter 2008 | 1st Quarter 2009 | 2nd Quarter 2009 | 3rd Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter 2009 | Percent Change 4Q 2008-4Q 2009 (%) | Total 2009 Ancillary Fee Revenue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Delta | 289.0 | 367.4 | 407.0 | 447.5 | 425.7 | 47.3 | 1,647.6 |
| 2 | American | 246.2 | 241.4 | 246.5 | 261.2 | 253.3 | 2.9 | 1,002.4 |
| 3 | US Airways | 227.0 | 221.3 | 228.2 | 230.8 | 231.8 | 2.1 | 912.1 |
| 4 | Southwest | 140.6 | 143.0 | 148.4 | 155.7 | 157.2 | 11.8 | 617.1 |
| 5 | Northwest | 185.2 | 168.1 | 173.7 | 223.2 | 156.7 | -15.4 | 718.7 |
| 6 | United | 151.3 | 146.3 | 158.5 | 168.5 | 146.2 | -3.4 | 619.5 |
| 7 | Continental | 77.5 | 144.0 | 136.0 | 130.5 | 129.1 | 66.6 | 539.7 |
| 8 | AirTran | 36.2 | 55.9 | 65.7 | 68.0 | 61.2 | 69.1 | 249.7 |
| 9 | JetBlue | 49.5 | 48.9 | 48.5 | 48.7 | 48.1 | -2.8 | 193.1 |
| 10 | Alaska | 30.2 | 28.8 | 28.7 | 47.3 | 42.2 | 39.7 | 147.0 |
| Industry Total** | 1,615.1 | 1,875.3 | 1,949.5 | 2,089.8 | 1,911.1 | 18.3 | 7,825.7 |
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics, Form 41; Schedule P1.2.
* Ancillary fees include baggage fees, reservation change fees and miscellaneous operating revenue, including pet transportation, sale of frequent flyer award miles to airline business partners and standby passenger fees. Revenue from seating assignments and on-board sales of food, drink, pillows, blankets, entertainment, or any other ancillary items are reported as Transport Related Revenue and cannot be identified separately.
** 32 carriers reported baggage fee, reservation change fee or miscellaneous operating revenue in 4Q 2009
Note: For other carriers and additional historic data, see Passenger Baggage Fees, Reservation Cancellation Fees or Miscellaneous Operating Revenues
Note: Percent changes based on numbers prior to rounding.
Note: Detail may not add to total.
Table 1B: Ancillary Fee Revenue Compared to Total Operating Revenue*
Ranked by Percent of 4th Quarter 2009 Operating Revenue from Ancillary Fees
| 4Q 2009 Rank | Airline | 4th Quarter 2008 | 1st Quarter 2009 | 2nd Quarter 2009 | 3rd Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter 2009 | Percentage Point Change 4Q 2008-4Q 2009 (%) | Full Year 2009 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spirit | 19.8 | 21.4 | 20.5 | 20.6 | 21.0 | 1.2 | 20.9 |
| 2 | AirTran | 6.1 | 10.3 | 10.9 | 11.4 | 10.2 | 4.1 | 10.7 |
| 3 | Delta | 6.0 | 8.7 | 9.0 | 9.3 | 9.5 | 3.5 | 9.1 |
| 4 | Allegiant | 24.0 | 9.5 | 12.2 | 9.3 | 8.8 | -15.2 | 10.0 |
| 5 | US Airways | 8.0 | 8.7 | 8.3 | 8.2 | 8.6 | 0.6 | 8.5 |
| 6 | Virgin America | 6.1 | 4.6 | 7.8 | 7.0 | 8.2 | 2.1 | 7.1 |
| 7 | Frontier | 5.7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.3 | 6.6 | 0.9 | 6.5 |
| 8 | Northwest | 5.8 | 6.3 | 6.6 | 7.8 | 5.9 | 0.1 | 6.6 |
| 9 | Southwest | 5.2 | 6.1 | 5.7 | 5.9 | 5.8 | 0.6 | 6.0 |
| 10 | JetBlue | 6.0 | 6.2 | 5.8 | 5.7 | 5.8 | -0.2 | 5.9 |
| Industry Total** | 5.5 | 6.5 | 6.8 | 6.9 | 6.5 | 1.0 | 6.6 |
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics, Form 41; Schedule P1.2.
* Ancillary fees include baggage fees, reservation change fees and miscellaneous operating revenue, including pet transportation, sale of frequent flyer award miles to airline business partners and standby passenger fees. Revenue from seating assignments and on-board sales of food, drink, pillows, blankets, entertainment, or any other ancillary items are reported as Transport Related Revenue and cannot be identified separately.
** 32 carriers reported baggage fee, reservation change fee or miscellaneous operating revenue in 4Q 2009
Note: For other carriers and additional historic data, see Passenger Baggage Fees, Reservation Cancellation Fees or Miscellaneous Operating Revenues
Note: Percent changes based on numbers prior to rounding.
Table 1C: Baggage Fee Collections
Ranked by 4th Quarter 2009 Baggage Fee Revenue
Dollars in Millions (000,000)
| 4Q 2009 Rank | Airline | 4th Quarter 2008 | 1st Quarter 2009 | 2nd Quarter 2009 | 3rd Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter 2009 | Percent Change 4Q 2008-4Q 2009 (%) | Total 2009 Baggage Fee Revenue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Delta | 60.5 | 102.8 | 118.4 | 129.5 | 131.1 | 116.7 | 481.7 |
| 2 | American | 113.9 | 108.1 | 118.4 | 119.5 | 129.2 | 13.4 | 475.2 |
| 3 | US Airways | 93.8 | 94.2 | 104.1 | 111.4 | 122.5 | 30.6 | 432.3 |
| 4 | Northwest | 63.6 | 59.8 | 67.2 | 78.9 | 79.9 | 25.6 | 285.8 |
| 5 | Continental | 49.3 | 55.6 | 63.2 | 66.0 | 69.7 | 41.4 | 254.5 |
| 6 | United | 58.8 | 59.1 | 67.4 | 77.9 | 64.6 | 9.9 | 269.0 |
| 7 | AirTran | 12.7 | 30.9 | 40.5 | 40.2 | 34.3 | 170.1 | 146.0 |
| 8 | Alaska | 5.5 | 5.4 | 6.2 | 25.2 | 21.8 | 296.4 | 58.7 |
| 9 | Frontier | 10.0 | 12.5 | 13.5 | 14.9 | 14.4 | 44.0 | 55.2 |
| 10 | Spirit | N/A | N/A | 16.2 | 16.4 | 14.3 | N/A | 46.8 |
| Industry Total** | 498.6 | 577.9 | 669.6 | 739.8 | 736.1 | 47.6 | 2,723.4 |
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics, Form 41; Schedule P1.2.
** 21 carriers reported baggage fee revenue in 4Q 2009
Note: For other carriers and additional historic data, see Passenger Baggage
Note: Percent changes based on numbers prior to rounding.
Note: Detail may not add to total.
Table 1D: Reservation Change Fee Collections
Ranked by 4th Quarter 2009 Reservation Change Fee Revenue
Dollars in Millions (000,000)
| 4Q 2009 Rank | Airline | 4th Quarter 2008 | 1st Quarter 2009 | 2nd Quarter 2009 | 3rd Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter 2009 | Percent Change 4Q 2008-4Q 2009 (%) | Total 2009 Reservation Change Fee Revenue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Delta | 4.5 | 86.9 | 100.7 | 112.0 | 106.5 | 2,266.7 | 406.0 |
| 2 | American | 114.5 | 115.9 | 109.6 | 120.4 | 104.0 | -9.2 | 449.9 |
| 3 | Northwest | 107.1 | 101.2 | 105.0 | 100.5 | 91.2 | -14.8 | 397.9 |
| 4 | United | 81.9 | 78.1 | 81.1 | 79.4 | 71.2 | -13.1 | 309.9 |
| 5 | US Airways | 68.3 | 66.5 | 64.0 | 61.0 | 57.3 | -16.1 | 248.8 |
| 6 | Continental | N/A | 59.6 | 59.8 | 56.0 | 52.6 | N/A | 227.9 |
| 7 | JetBlue | 34.3 | 32.2 | 30.0 | 28.7 | 30.4 | -11.4 | 121.3 |
| 8 | AirTran | 5.8 | 4.8 | 12.3 | 12.2 | 13.5 | 132.8 | 42.8 |
| 9 | Alaska | 17.1 | 16.3 | 15.3 | 15.6 | 13.4 | -21.6 | 60.6 |
| 10 | Spirit | 5.6 | 5.8 | 5.9 | 5.9 | 5.9 | 5.4 | 23.6 |
| Industry Total* | 459.9 | 587.5 | 606.5 | 613.5 | 563.7 | 22.6 | 2,371.1 |
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics, Form 41; Schedule P1.2.
* 19 carriers reported reservation cancellation fee revenue in 4Q 2009
Note: For other carriers and additional historic data, see Reservation Cancellation Fees
Note: Percent changes based on numbers prior to rounding.
Note: Detail may not add to total.
Table 1E: Miscellaneous Operating Revenue*
Ranked by 4th Quarter 2009 Miscellaneous Operating Revenue
Dollars in Millions (000,000)
| 4Q 2009 Rank | Airline | 4th Quarter 2008 | 1st Quarter 2009 | 2nd Quarter 2009 | 3rd Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter 2009 | Percent Change 4Q 2008-4Q 2009 (%) | Total 2009 Miscellaneous Operating Revenue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Delta | 223.9 | 177.7 | 187.9 | 206.0 | 188.1 | -16.0 | 759.8 |
| 2 | Southwest | 140.6 | 143.0 | 148.2 | 148.4 | 150.4 | 7.0 | 590.1 |
| 3 | US Airways | 64.9 | 60.6 | 60.1 | 58.4 | 51.9 | -20.0 | 231.0 |
| 4 | American | 17.9 | 17.4 | 18.4 | 21.3 | 20.1 | 12.3 | 77.3 |
| 5 | Spirit | 29.4 | 30.6 | 14.7 | 14.5 | 15.9 | -45.9 | 75.7 |
| 6 | AirTran | 17.6 | 20.2 | 12.9 | 15.6 | 13.3 | -24.4 | 61.0 |
| 7 | United | 10.7 | 9.1 | 10.0 | 11.2 | 10.4 | -2.8 | 40.7 |
| 8 | Alaska | 7.6 | 7.1 | 7.2 | 6.5 | 7.0 | -7.8 | 27.8 |
| 9 | Continental | 28.2 | 28.8 | 13.1 | 8.5 | 6.9 | -75.5 | 57.3 |
| 10 | American Eagle | 6.9 | 7.5 | 6.1 | 6.3 | 6.7 | -2.9 | 26.7 |
| Industry Total** | 656.6 | 709.9 | 673.4 | 736.5 | 611.3 | -6.9 | 2,731.2 |
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics, Form 41; Schedule P1.2.
* Miscellaneous operating revenue includes pet transportation, sale of frequent flyer award miles to airline business partners and standby passenger fees.
** 32 carriers reported miscellaneous operating revenue in 4Q 2009
Note: For other carriers and additional historic data, see Miscellaneous operating revenue
Note: Percent changes based on numbers prior to rounding.
Note: Detail may not add to total.
Table 2: Network Airline System* Quarterly Operating Profit/Loss Margin (In Percent)
Ranked by 4th Quarter 2009 Margin
(Operating Profit/Loss as Percent of Total Operating Revenue)
| 4Q 2009 Rank | Network Airlines | 4th Quarter 2008 (%) | 1st Quarter 2009 (%) | 2nd Quarter 2009 (%) | 3rd Quarter 2009 (%) | 4th Quarter 2009 (%) | 4th Quarter Operating Profit/Loss $(Millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Northwest | -13.8 | 0.9 | 5.4 | 6.9 | 4.5 | 121 |
| 2 | Alaska | 4.1 | 1.0 | 4.2 | 16.8 | 3.4 | 26 |
| 3 | United | -13.5 | -3.7 | 4.3 | 2.9 | 1.9 | 81 |
| 4 | US Airways | -12.5 | -1.0 | 4.4 | 0.1 | 1.0 | 25 |
| 5 | Continental | -1.0 | -3.1 | -5.2 | 1.3 | -0.2 | -6 |
| 6 | Delta | -1.2 | -10.0 | -3.5 | 1.4 | -2.1 | -91 |
| 7 | American | -3.9 | -4.7 | -5.3 | -4.8 | -8.5 | -431 |
| 7-Carrier Total | -6.7 | -4.0 | -0.5 | 1.4 | -1.2 | -275 |
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics; Form 41, Schedule P1.2
* System = domestic + international
Table 3: Low-Cost System* Quarterly Operating Profit/Loss Margin (In Percent))
Ranked by 4th Quarter 2009 Margin
(Operating Profit/Loss as Percent of Total Operating Revenue)
| 4Q 2009 Rank | Low-Cost Airlines | 4th Quarter 2008 (%) | 1st Quarter 2009 (%) | 2nd Quarter 2009 (%) | 3rd Quarter 2009 (%) | 4th Quarter 2009 (%) | 4th Quarter Operating Profit/Loss $(Millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spirit | 12.0 | 17.1 | 17.3 | 14.6 | 12.4 | 22 |
| 2 | Allegiant | 21.6 | 30.1 | 23.8 | 14.4 | 11.7 | 15 |
| 3 | JetBlue | 5.3 | 9.1 | 7.9 | 7.7 | 7.6 | 64 |
| 4 | Southwest | 2.6 | -2.1 | 4.7 | 0.8 | 6.2 | 166 |
| 5 | AirTran | 9.3 | 8.8 | 11.0 | 6.2 | 4.4 | 26 |
| 6 | Frontier | 0.0 | 8.4 | 9.5 | 10.3 | -4.6 | -13 |
| 7 | Virgin America | -24.0 | -36.7 | -8.4 | 3.2 | -8.2 | -12 |
| 7-Carrier Total | 3.9 | 2.9 | 7.0 | 4.2 | 5.5 | 267 |
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics; Form 41, Schedule P1.2
* System = domestic + international
Table 4: Regional Airline System* Quarterly Operating Profit/Loss Margin (In Percent)
Ranked by 3rd Quarter 2009 Margin
(Operating Profit/Loss as Percent of Total Operating Revenue)
| 4Q 2009 Rank | Regional Airlines | 4th Quarter 2008 (%) | 1st Quarter 2009 (%) | 2nd Quarter 2009 (%) | 3rd Quarter 2009 (%) | 4th Quarter 2009 (%) | 4th Quarter Operating Profit/Loss $(Millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Atlantic Southeast | 7.6 | 4.0 | 7.7 | 10.7 | 8.1 | 14 |
| 2 | SlyWest | 6.5 | 6.8 | 8.7 | 9.2 | 7.6 | 33 |
| 3 | American Eagle | 2.7 | 6.6 | 7.1 | 11.8 | 7.4 | 38 |
| 4 | Horizon | 5.1 | 1.4 | 7.0 | 13.7 | 4.3 | 7 |
| 5 | Mesa | 7.1 | 0.9 | 4.3 | 5.5 | 0.7 | 2 |
| 6 | Comair | 7.1 | 7.9 | 16.2 | 3.8 | -5.0 | -7 |
| 7 | ExpressJet | -5.0 | -7.0 | -6.1 | -4.7 | -9.9 | -16 |
| 7-Carrier Total | 4.9 | 4.3 | 7.2 | 8.0 | 3.9 | 69 |
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics; Form 41, Schedule P1.2
* System = domestic + international
Table 5: Passenger Airline System* Fuel Costs Per Available Seat-Mile
Ranked by 4th Quarter 2009 Fuel Cost Per ASM (Cents Per ASM)
(Fuel Expense Per Available Seat Mile in cents)
| 4Q 2009 Rank | Airline Group | 4th Quarter 2004 | 4th Quarter 2008 | 3rd Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter 2009 | Pct. Change 4Q 2004-4Q 2009 | Percent Of Operating Costs for Fuel | 4th Quarter Fuel Expense $(Millions) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 2009 | ||||||||
| 1 | Network | 2.43 | 4.89 | 3.24 | 3.26 | 36.1 | 19.2 | 22.0 | 5,104 |
| 2 | Low-Cost | 1.70 | 3.58 | 3.15 | 3.20 | 88.2 | 22.0 | 31.1 | 1,433 |
| 3 | Regional | 3.33 | 3.90 | 2.28 | 2.46 | -26.1 | 25.3 | 19.7 | 342 |
| 21-Carrier Total | 2.38 | 4.57 | 3.17 | 3.20 | 34.5 | 19.9 | 23.2 | 6,879 | |
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics, Form 41; Schedule P6
* System = domestic + international
Table 6: Network Airline System* Fuel Costs Per Available Seat-Mile
Ranked by 4th Quarter 2009 Fuel Cost Per ASM (Cents Per ASM)
(Fuel Expense Per Available Seat Mile in cents)
| 4Q 2009 Rank | Network Airlines | 4th Quarter 2004 | 4th Quarter 2008 | 3rd Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter 2009 | Pct. Change 4Q 2004-4Q 2009 | Percent Of Operating Costs for Fuel | 4th Quarter Fuel Expense $(Millions) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 2009 | ||||||||
| 1 | American | 2.54 | 4.26 | 3.41 | 3.58 | 40.9 | 22.0 | 24.1 | 1,321 |
| 2 | Northwest | 2.78 | 6.85 | 3.27 | 3.51 | 26.3 | 20.1 | 22.9 | 585 |
| 3 | Delta | 2.39 | 4.94 | 3.61 | 3.48 | 45.6 | 18.3 | 22.1 | 1,005 |
| 4 | US Airways | 2.19 | 3.51 | 2.83 | 3.04 | 38.8 | 16.5 | 19.0 | 508 |
| 5 | United | 2.34 | 5.96 | 3.31 | 3.03 | 29.5 | 18.6 | 21.3 | 878 |
| 6 | Continental | 2.17 | 4.24 | 2.84 | 2.86 | 31.8 | 16.8 | 20.5 | 645 |
| 7 | Alaska | 2.43 | 3.26 | 2.62 | 2.85 | 17.3 | 22.7 | 22.5 | 162 |
| 7-Carrier Total | 2.43 | 4.89 | 3.24 | 3.26 | 36.1 | 19.2 | 22.0 | 5,104 | |
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics, Form 41; Schedule P6
* System = domestic + international
Table 7: Low-Cost Airline System* Fuel Costs Per Available Seat-Mile
Ranked by 4th Quarter 2009 Fuel Cost Per ASM (Cents Per ASM)
(Fuel Expense Per Available Seat Mile in cents)
| 4Q 2009 Rank | Low-Cost Airlines | 4th Quarter 2004 | 4th Quarter 2008 | 3rd Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter 2009 | Pct. Change 4Q 2004-4Q 2009 | Percent Of Operating Costs for Fuel | 4th Quarter Fuel Expense $(Millions) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 2009 | ||||||||
| 1 | Allegiant | 2.55 | 3.68 | 3.34 | 3.68 | 44.3 | 30.4 | 40.0 | 46 |
| 2 | Southwest | 1.51 | 3.60 | 3.33 | 3.37 | 123.2 | 19.9 | 31.2 | 794 |
| 3 | AirTran | 2.24 | 3.56 | 3.00 | 3.29 | 46.9 | 27.0 | 33.4 | 191 |
| 4 | JetBlue | 1.57 | 3.83 | 3.04 | 2.91 | 85.4 | 24.9 | 30.2 | 232 |
| 5 | Virgin America | N/A | 2.85 | 2.62 | 2.86 | N/A | N/A | 29.9 | 50 |
| 6 | Frontier | 2.24 | 3.37 | 2.74 | 2.76 | 23.2 | 21.8 | 24.8 | 71 |
| 7 | Spirit | 2.56 | 3.05 | 2.75 | 2.69 | 5.1 | 27.1 | 32.8 | 49 |
| 7-Carrier Total | 1.70 | 3.58 | 3.15 | 3.20 | 88.2 | 22.0 | 31.1 | 1,433 | |
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics, Form 41; Schedule P6
* System = domestic + international
Table 8: Regional Airline System* Fuel Costs Per Available Seat-Mile
Ranked by 4th Quarter 2009 Fuel Cost Per ASM (Cents Per ASM)
(Fuel Expense Per Available Seat Mile in cents)
| 4Q 2009 Rank | Regional Airlines | 4th Quarter 2004 | 4th Quarter 2008 | 3rd Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter 2009 | Pct. Change 4Q 2004-4Q 2009 | Percent Of Operating Costs for Fuel | 4th Quarter Fuel Expense $(Millions) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 2009 | ||||||||
| 1 | American Eagle | 4.07 | 6.54 | 5.21 | 5.60 | 37.6 | 27.9 | 29.3 | 139 |
| 2 | Comair | 3.98 | 5.64 | 6.47 | 5.13 | 28.9 | 30.0 | 33.7 | 50 |
| 3 | Horizon | 2.55 | 4.69 | 3.68 | 4.04 | 58.4 | 15.7 | 20.3 | 33 |
| 4 | Mesa | 3.13 | 4.16 | 3.44 | 3.80 | 21.4 | 29.1 | 26.8 | 57 |
| 5 | SkyWest | 3.88 | 3.03 | 1.47 | 1.55 | -60.1 | 28.2 | 14.9 | 58 |
| 6 | ExpressJet | 1.79 | 0.07 | 0.16 | 0.12 | -93.3 | 14.7 | 1.8 | 3 |
| 7 | AtlanticSoutheast | 3.75 | 5.59 | 0.13 | 0.02 | -99.5 | 28.4 | 0.2 | 0.3 |
| 7-Carrier Total | 3.33 | 4.57 | 2.41 | 2.46 | -26.1 | 25.3 | 19.7 | 342 | |
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics, Form 41; Schedule P6
* System = domestic + international
Table 9: Passenger Airline System* Unit Costs
Ranked by 4th Quarter 2009 Unit Costs (Cents Per ASM)
(Operating Expenses per Available Seat Mile in cents)
| 4Q 2009 Rank | Airline Group | 4th Quarter 2008 | 1st Quarter 2009 | 2nd Quarter 2009 | 3rd Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter Operating Expenses $(Millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Network | 16.2 | 13.9 | 13.5 | 13.7 | 14.9 | 23,251 |
| 2 | Regional | 14.2 | 13.3 | 12.4 | 11.8 | 12.5 | 1,738 |
| 3 | Low-Cost | 10.3 | 9.5 | 9.3 | 9.9 | 10.3 | 4,602 |
| 21-Carrier Total | 14.9 | 13.0 | 12.6 | 12.8 | 13.8 | 29,591 |
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics; Form 41, Schedule P1.2. T100; T2 Data
* System = domestic + international
Table 10: Network Airline System* Unit Costs Network Carriers
Ranked by 4th Quarter 2009 Unit Costs (Cents Per ASM)
(Operating Expenses per Available Seat Mile in cents)
| 4Q 2009 Rank | Network Airlines | 4th Quarter 2008 | 1st Quarter 2009 | 2nd Quarter 2009 | 3rd Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter Operating Expenses $(Millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | US Airways | 18.8 | 15.1 | 14.4 | 15.0 | 16.0 | 2,671 |
| 2 | Delta | 15.9 | 15.8 | 15.3 | 14.2 | 15.8 | 4,550 |
| 3 | Northwest | 18.9 | 14.4 | 12.6 | 13.1 | 15.3 | 2,553 |
| 4 | American | 14.6 | 13.4 | 13.3 | 13.9 | 14.9 | 5,488 |
| 5 | United | 16.7 | 12.8 | 12.2 | 13.4 | 14.2 | 4,129 |
| 6 | Continental | 15.2 | 13.2 | 13.4 | 12.8 | 13.9 | 3,142 |
| 7 | Alaska | 12.5 | 11.7 | 12.3 | 11.7 | 12.7 | 719 |
| 7-Carrier Total | 16.2 | 13.9 | 13.5 | 13.7 | 14.9 | 23,251 |
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics; Form 41; Schedule P1.2. T100; T2 Data
* System = domestic + international
Table 11: Low-Cost Airline System* Unit Costs
Ranked by 4th Quarter 2009 Unit Costs (Cents Per ASM)
(Operating Expenses per Available Seat Mile in cents)
| 4Q 2009 Rank | Low-Cost Airlines | 4th Quarter 2008 | 1st Quarter 2009 | 2nd Quarter 2009 | 3rd Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter Operating Expenses $(Millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Frontier | 11.2 | 9.2 | 9.1 | 9.9 | 11.1 | 285 |
| 2 | Southwest | 10.2 | 9.9 | 9.7 | 10.7 | 10.8 | 2,546 |
| 3 | AirTran | 10.0 | 9.2 | 9.0 | 9.1 | 9.9 | 572 |
| 4 | JetBlue | 10.2 | 9.0 | 9.0 | 9.4 | 9.6 | 768 |
| 5 | Virgin America | 11.1 | 9.2 | 8.7 | 8.6 | 9.5 | 165 |
| 6 | Allegiant | 9.1 | 7.4 | 7.6 | 8.3 | 9.2 | 115 |
| 7 | Spirit | 8.7 | 7.8 | 7.8 | 7.9 | 8.2 | 150 |
| 7-Carrier Total | 10.3 | 9.5 | 9.3 | 9.9 | 10.3 | 4,602 |
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics; Form 41; Schedule P1.2. T100; T2 Data
* System = domestic + international
Table 12: Regional Airline System* Unit Costs
Ranked by 4th Quarter 2009 Unit Costs (Cents Per ASM)
(Operating Expenses per Available Seat Mile in cents)
| 4Q 2009 Rank | Regional Airlines | 4th Quarter 2008 | 1st Quarter 2009 | 2nd Quarter 2009 | 3rd Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter Operating Expenses $(Millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Horizon | 19.8 | 18.4 | 17.7 | 18.0 | 19.9 | 164 |
| 2 | American Eagle | 18.6 | 17.2 | 16.5 | 16.2 | 19.1 | 473 |
| 3 | Comair | 20.4 | 19.9 | 16.8 | 21.0 | 15.2 | 148 |
| 4 | Mesa | 13.5 | 12.8 | 12.2 | 12.5 | 14.1 | 211 |
| 5 | SkyWest | 12.3 | 11.4 | 10.9 | 9.9 | 10.4 | 394 |
| 6 | Atlantic Southeast | 16.1 | 14.1 | 12.7 | 9.1 | 9.7 | 163 |
| 7 | ExpressJet | 6.9 | 7.4 | 6.9 | 6.7 | 7.1 | 184 |
| 7-Carrier Total | 14.2 | 13.3 | 12.4 | 11.8 | 12.5 | 1,738 |
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics; Form 41; Schedule P1.2. T100; T2 Data
* System = domestic + international
** Mesa Airlines requested confidentiality for its fourth quarter 2009 financial report.
Table 13: Passenger Airline System* Unit Revenue
Ranked by 4th Quarter 2009 Unit Revenue (Cents Per ASM)
(Operating Revenue Per Available Seat Mile in cents)
| 4Q 2009 Rank | Airline Group | 4th Quarter 2008 | 1st Quarter 2009 | 2nd Quarter 2009 | 3rd Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter Operating Revenue $(Millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Network | 15.2 | 13.4 | 13.4 | 13.9 | 14.7 | 22,976 |
| 2 | Regional | 14.9 | 13.9 | 13.4 | 12.9 | 13.0 | 1,807 |
| 3 | Low-Cost | 10.7 | 9.8 | 10.0 | 10.4 | 10.9 | 4,869 |
| 21-Carrier Total | 14.3 | 12.7 | 12.7 | 13.1 | 13.8 | 29,652 |
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics; Form 41, Schedule P1.2. T100; T2 Data
* System = domestic + international
Table 14: Network Airline System* Unit Revenue
Ranked by 4th Quarter 2009 Unit Revenue (Cents Per ASM)
(Operating Revenue Per Available Seat Mile)
| 4Q 2009 Rank | Network Airlines | 4th Quarter 2008 | 1st Quarter 2009 | 2nd Quarter 2009 | 3rd Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter Operating Revenue $(Millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | US Airways | 16.7 | 14.9 | 15.0 | 15.0 | 16.1 | 2,696 |
| 2 | Northwest | 16.6 | 14.5 | 13.3 | 14.0 | 16.0 | 2,674 |
| 3 | Delta | 15.7 | 14.4 | 14.8 | 14.4 | 15.4 | 4,459 |
| 4 | United | 14.7 | 12.3 | 12.7 | 13.8 | 14.5 | 4,210 |
| 5 | Continental | 15.1 | 12.8 | 12.7 | 13.0 | 13.9 | 3,136 |
| 6 | American | 14.1 | 12.8 | 12.7 | 13.3 | 13.7 | 5,057 |
| 7 | Alaska | 13.0 | 11.8 | 12.8 | 14.1 | 13.1 | 745 |
| 7-Carrier Total | 15.2 | 13.4 | 13.4 | 13.9 | 14.7 | 22,976 |
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics; Form 41, Schedule P1.2. T100; T2 Data
* System = domestic + international
Table 15: Low-Cost Airline System* Unit Revenue
Ranked by 4th Quarter 2009 Unit Revenue (Cents Per ASM)
(Operating Revenue Per Available Seat Mile
| 4Q 2009 Rank | Low-Cost Airlines | 4th Quarter 2008 | 1st Quarter 2009 | 2nd Quarter 2009 | 3rd Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter Operating Revenue $(Millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Southwest | 10.7 | 9.7 | 10.2 | 10.7 | 11.5 | 2,712 |
| 2 | Frontier | 11.2 | 10.1 | 10.1 | 11.0 | 10.6 | 272 |
| 3 | JetBlue | 10.8 | 9.9 | 9.8 | 10.2 | 10.4 | 832 |
| 4 | Allegiant | 11.6 | 10.6 | 9.9 | 9.7 | 10.4 | 130 |
| 5 | AirTran | 11.0 | 10.1 | 10.1 | 9.7 | 10.3 | 598 |
| 6 | Spirit | 9.8 | 9.4 | 9.4 | 9.2 | 9.4 | 172 |
| 7 | Virgin America | 9.0 | 6.7 | 8.0 | 8.9 | 8.8 | 153 |
| 7-Carrier Total | 10.7 | 9.8 | 10.0 | 10.4 | 10.9 | 4,869 |
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics; Form 41, Schedule P1.2. T100; T2 Data
* System = domestic + international
Table 16: Regional Airline System* Unit Revenue
Ranked by 4th Quarter 2009 Unit Revenue (Cents Per ASM)
(Operating Revenue Per Available Seat Mile
| 4Q 2009 Rank | Regional Airlines | 4th Quarter 2008 | 1st Quarter 2009 | 2nd Quarter 2009 | 3rd Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter Operating Revenue $(Millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Horizon | 20.8 | 18.6 | 19.1 | 20.8 | 20.8 | 171 |
| 2 | American Eagle | 19.1 | 18.5 | 17.8 | 18.4 | 20.6 | 511 |
| 3 | Comair | 22.0 | 21.6 | 20.1 | 21.8 | 14.5 | 141 |
| 4 | Mesa | 14.5 | 12.9 | 12.7 | 13.2 | 14.2 | 213 |
| 5 | SkyWest | 13.2 | 12.3 | 11.9 | 10.9 | 11.2 | 427 |
| 6 | Atlantic Southeast | 17.5 | 14.7 | 13.7 | 10.2 | 10.5 | 177 |
| 7 | ExpressJet | 6.6 | 6.9 | 6.5 | 6.4 | 6.4 | 168 |
| 7-Carrier Total | 14.9 | 13.9 | 13.4 | 12.9 | 13.0 | 1,807 |
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics; Form 41, Schedule P1.2. T100; T2 Data
* System = domestic + international
** Mesa Airlines requested confidentiality for its fourth quarter 2009 financial report.
Table 17: Airline System* Passenger Revenue Yield
Ranked by 4th Quarter 2009 Revenue Yield (Cents Per RPM)
(Passenger Revenue per Revenue Passenger Mile in cents)
| 4Q 2009 Rank | Airline Group | 4th Quarter 2008 | 1st Quarter 2009 | 2nd Quarter 2009 | 3rd Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter Passenger Revenue $(Millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Regional | 19.4 | 18.9 | 16.6 | 15.8 | 16.7 | 1,776 |
| 2 | Low-Cost | 13.5 | 12.1 | 11.5 | 11.4 | 12.5 | 4,376 |
| 3 | Network | 13.3 | 12.0 | 11.0 | 11.2 | 12.1 | 15,521 |
| 21-Carrier Total | 13.7 | 12.4 | 11.4 | 11.5 | 12.5 | 21,673 |
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics; Form 41; Schedule P1.2. T100; T2 Data
* System = domestic + international
Table 18: Network Airline System* Passenger Revenue Yield
Ranked by 4th Quarter 2009 Revenue Yield (Cents Per RPM)
(Passenger Revenue per Revenue Passenger Mile in cents)
| 4Q 2009 Rank | Network Airlines | 4th Quarter 2008 | 1st Quarter 2009 | 2nd Quarter 2009 | 3rd Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter Passenger Revenue $(Millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | American | 13.7 | 12.9 | 11.7 | 12.0 | 12.7 | 3,798 |
| 2 | Alaska | 13.5 | 12.4 | 12.6 | 13.2 | 12.3 | 559 |
| 3 | US Airways | 13.0 | 11.7 | 10.8 | 10.9 | 12.2 | 1,621 |
| 4 | Delta | 12.7 | 11.6 | 10.7 | 10.7 | 11.9 | 2,810 |
| 5 | United | 13.3 | 11.2 | 10.7 | 11.2 | 11.9 | 2,855 |
| 6 | Continental | 13.8 | 12.2 | 11.0 | 10.9 | 11.9 | 2,235 |
| 7 | Northwest | 12.9 | 12.2 | 10.6 | 10.4 | 11.8 | 1,643 |
| 7-Carrier Total | 13.3 | 12.0 | 11.0 | 11.2 | 12.1 | 15,521 |
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics; Form 41; Schedule P1.2. T100; T2 Data
* System = domestic + international
Table 19: Low-Cost Airline System* Passenger Revenue Yield
Ranked by 4th Quarter 2009 Revenue Yield (Cents Per RPM)
(Passenger Revenue per Revenue Passenger Mile in cents)
| 4Q 2009 Rank | Low-Cost Airlines | 4th Quarter 2008 | 1st Quarter 2009 | 2nd Quarter 2009 | 3rd Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter Passenger Revenue $(Millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Southwest | 14.7 | 12.9 | 12.3 | 12.5 | 13.8 | 2,519 |
| 2 | AirTran | 13.2 | 12.0 | 11.2 | 10.3 | 11.9 | 536 |
| 3 | JetBlue | 12.3 | 11.7 | 11.0 | 10.9 | 11.7 | 739 |
| 4 | Frontier | 12.5 | 11.9 | 10.8 | 10.3 | 10.1 | 205 |
| 5 | Virgin America | 10.5 | 8.7 | 8.6 | 9.4 | 9.4 | 138 |
| 6 | Spirit | 9.7 | 9.6 | 9.3 | 8.8 | 9.4 | 134 |
| 7 | Allegiant | 9.9 | 8.6 | 8.3 | 8.5 | 9.3 | 104 |
| 7-Carrier Total | 13.5 | 12.1 | 11.5 | 11.4 | 12.5 | 4,376 |
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics; Form 41; Schedule P1.2. T100; T2 Data
* System = domestic + international
Table 20: Regional Airlines System* Passenger Revenue Yield
Ranked by 4th Quarter 2009 Revenue Yield (Cents Per RPM)
(Passenger Revenue per Revenue Passenger Mile in cents)
| 4Q 2009 Rank | Regional Airlines | 4th Quarter 2008 | 1st Quarter 2009 | 2nd Quarter 2009 | 3rd Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter Passenger Revenue $(Millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | American Eagle | 26.8 | 26.8 | 23.1 | 24.4 | 27.8 | 503 |
| 2 | Horizon | 28.1 | 27.0 | 24.9 | 25.8 | 27.3 | 166 |
| 3 | Comair | 28.3 | 30.4 | 25.2 | 26.0 | 19.3 | 141 |
| 4 | Mesa | 18.3 | 17.3 | 15.6 | 16.5 | 18.6 | 209 |
| 5 | SkyWest | 16.8 | 16.4 | 14.8 | 13.3 | 14.1 | 419 |
| 6 | Atlantic Southeast | 22.1 | 18.9 | 16.7 | 12.5 | 13.5 | 177 |
| 7 | ExpressJet | 8.3 | 9.2 | 7.9 | 7.7 | 7.9 | 161 |
| 7-Carrier Total | 19.4 | 18.9 | 16.6 | 15.9 | 16.7 | 1,776 |
Source: Form 41; Schedule P1.2. T100; T2 Data
* System = domestic + international
** Mesa Airlines requested confidentiality for its fourth quarter 2009 financial report.