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3rd-Quarter 2010 Airline Financial Data; Network, Low-Cost and Regional Airlines Report Profits
3rd-Quarter 2010 Airline Financial Data; Network, Low-Cost and Regional Airlines Report Profits
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Monday, December 20, 2010 (updated with regional airline data on March 17, 2011) - Network airlines profit margin in the third quarter of 2010 was the highest since the U.S. Department of Transportations Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) began issuing quarterly airline financial numbers in 2002 while the low-cost carriers profit margin was the second highest, BTS reported today in a release of preliminary data.
BTS, a part of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration, reported that the network airlines reported an operating profit margin of 10.5 percent as a group in the July-to-September period, their second profit since the third quarter of 2009 (Table 1). The low-cost group's profit margin of 11.0 percent was surpassed only by an 11.2 percent profit margin in the second quarter of 2006. The low-cost group last reported a loss margin in the third quarter of 2008. See Airline Financial Data Press Releases for historic data.
As part of their third-quarter revenue, the airlines collected $906 million in baggage fees (Table 1A) and $590 million from reservation change fees (Table 1B) from July to September.
In addition to baggage and reservation change fees, airlines reported ancillary revenue of $654 million from passengers and from other sources. This revenue category includes revenue from frequent flyer award program mileage sales and pet transportation fees (Table 1C). Total third quarter 2010 airline revenue from all ancillary sources that can be identified, including fees and frequent flyer sales was $2.150 billion, with Delta Air Lines reporting the most, $693 million (Table 1D).
Baggage fees and reservation change fees are the only ancillary fees paid by passengers that are reported to BTS as separate items. Other fees, such as revenue from seating assignments and on-board sales of food, bevarages, pillows, blankets, and entertainment are reported in a different category with other items and cannot be identified separately.
The combined baggage and reservation change fees from passengers combined with ancillary revenue from other sources constituted 5.8 percent of the total revenue of the 26 carriers that reported receiving ancillary revenue (Table 1E). Spirit Airlines reported the largest percent of operating revenue from ancillary revenue of any carrier, 26.9 percent. For additional Miscellaneous Operating Revenue data, go to BTS Schedule P-12.
Operating Margins
The six network carriers posted a profit margin of 10.5 percent in the third quarter with a combined operating profit of $3.0 billion (Table 2). In the third quarter of 2009, the network carriers reported a profit margin of 1.4 percent with a profit of $338 million.
The seven low-cost carriers reported an 11.0 percent profit margin, with profits of $635 million for the eighth consecutive profitable quarter. The seven regional airlines reported a 7.4 percent profit margin that included profits of $138 million.
Operating margin measures profit or loss as a percentage of the airlines total operating revenue. The top three operating profit margins were reported by network carriers Alaska Airlines and Delta and low-cost carrier JetBlue Airways (Tables 2, 3). All network and low-cost carriers reported positive profit margins in the third quarter (Table 2, 3). Only regional carrier ExpressJet Airlines reported a loss margin (Table 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 complete calendar year.
Fuel Expenses
The six network airlines spent 25.0 percent of their operating expenses in the third quarter of 2010 on fuel, compared to 24.5 percent in the third quarter of 2005 (Table 5).
The network carriers spent 3.54 cents per available seat-mile (ASM) for fuel in the third quarter of 2010, up from 3.13 cents per ASM in the third quarter of 2005 and up from 3.24 cents per ASM in the third quarter of 2009 (Table 6).
Regional carrier American Eagle Airlines spent the most for fuel per ASM and regional carrier Comair spent the least (Table 8).
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 increased from 13.7 cents per ASM in the third quarter of 2009 to 14.2 cents per ASM in the third quarter of 2010 (Table 9).
The carriers with the highest unit costs were regional airlines Horizon Air and American Eagle and network airline US Airways. The lowest unit costs were reported by regional carriers Comair and ExpressJet and low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines (Tables 10-12).
Unit Revenues
The six network carriers unit revenues in the third quarter of 2010 were 15.8cents per ASM compared to 13.9 cents in the third quarter of 2009 (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 carriers Comair and ExpressJet and low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines (Tables 14-16).
Passenger Yield
The six network airlines passenger yield was 13.0 cents per revenue passenger-mile (RPM) in the third quarter of 2010, up from 11.2 cents per RPM in the third quarter of 2009 (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 Horizon and American Eagle and low-cost airline Southwest. The lowest passenger revenue yields were reported by low-cost carriers Spirit and Allegiant and regional carrier ExpressJet (Tables 19-20).
Reporting Notes
This release consists of domestic and 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 third quarter of 2010 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 March 10. 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 fourth quarter 2010 financial data on May 9.
Table 1: Passenger Airline System* Quarterly Operating Profit/Loss Margin (In Percent)
Ranked by 3rd Quarter 2010 Margin (updated with regional airline data on March 17, 2011)
(Operating Profit/Loss as Percent of Total Operating Revenue)
| 3Q 2010 Rank | Airline Group | 3rd Quarter 2009 (%) | 4th Quarter 2009 (%) | 1st Quarter 2010 (%) | 2nd Quarter 2010 (%) | 3rd Quarter 2010 (%) | 3rd Quarter Operating Profit/Loss $(Millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Low-Cost | 8.3 | 3.9 | 2.4 | 9.9 | 11.0 | 635 |
| 2 | Network | 1.4 | -1.2 | -0.7 | 9.0 | 10.5 | 2,967 |
| 3 | Regional | 4.2 | 5.5 | 3.8 | 6.1 | 7.4 | 138 |
| 21-Carrier Total | 2.3 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 9.0 | 10.4 | 3,740 |
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics; Form 41, Schedule P1.2
* System = domestic + international
Table 1A: Baggage Fee Collections
Ranked by 3rd Quarter 2010 Baggage Fee Revenue
Dollars in Millions (000,000)
| 3Q 2010 Rank | Airline | 3rd Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter 2009 | 1st Quarter 2010 | 2nd Quarter 2010 | 3rd Quarter 2010 | Percent Change 3Q 2009-3Q 2010 (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Delta* | 129.5 | 131.1 | 217.8 | 256.0 | 259.5 | 100.4 |
| 2 | American | 119.5 | 129.2 | 128.5 | 152.1 | 151.2 | 26.5 |
| 3 | US Airways | 111.4 | 122.5 | 120.7 | 135.6 | 131.8 | 18.3 |
| 4 | Continental | 66.0 | 69.7 | 76.6 | 91.0 | 90.5 | 37.1 |
| 5 | United | 77.9 | 64.6 | 71.1 | 84.8 | 83.9 | 7.7 |
| 6 | AirTran | 40.2 | 34.3 | 35.0 | 39.2 | 38.1 | -5.2 |
| 7 | Alaska | 25.2 | 21.8 | 21.2 | 25.4 | 34.4 | 36.5 |
| 8 | Spirit | 16.4 | 14.3 | 16.0 | 16.8 | 22.9 | 39.6 |
| 9 | JetBlue | 14.5 | 13.8 | 13.8 | 14.0 | 15.5 | 6.9 |
| 10 | Hawaiian | 9.5 | 11.4 | 11.8 | 13.5 | 15.1 | 58.9 |
| Industry Total** | 739.8 | 741.6 | 768.5 | 891.8 | 906.4 | 22.5 |
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics, Form 41; Schedule P1.2.
* Delta Air Lines, after completing its merger with Northwest Airlines, reported combined numbers for the first time in the first quarter of 2010. For previous Northwest reports, see Financial Press Releases
** 20 carriers reported baggage fee revenue in 2Q 2010
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 1B: Reservation Change Fee Collections
Ranked by 3rd Quarter 2010 Reservation Change Fee Revenue
Dollars in Millions (000,000)
| 3Q 2010 Rank | Airline | 3rd Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter 2009 | 1st Quarter 2010 | 2nd Quarter 2010 | 3rd Quarter 2010 | Percent Change 3Q 2009-3Q 2010 (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Delta* | 112.0 | 106.5 | 165.3 | 181.8 | 183.3 | 63.7 |
| 2 | American | 120.4 | 104.0 | 114.4 | 121.0 | 117.7 | -2.2 |
| 3 | United | 79.4 | 71.2 | 74.7 | 83.7 | 84.7 | 6.7 |
| 4 | US Airways | 61.0 | 57.3 | 62.7 | 65.6 | 63.6 | 4.3 |
| 5 | Continental | 56.0 | 52.6 | 58.9 | 61.1 | 61.0 | 8.9 |
| 6 | JetBlue | 28.7 | 30.4 | 25.8 | 30.0 | 29.0 | 1.0 |
| 7 | Alaska | 15.6 | 13.4 | 13.5 | 12.7 | 13.3 | -14.7 |
| 8 | AirTran | 12.2 | 13.5 | 14.2 | 12.2 | 11.9 | -2.5 |
| 9 | Spirit | 5.9 | 5.9 | 5.6 | 5.4 | 5.6 | -5.1 |
| 10 | Hawaiian | 6.5 | 4.7 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.8 | -26.2 |
| Industry Total** | 613.5 | 565.6 | 553.9 | 593.6 | 590.4 | -3.8 |
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics, Form 41; Schedule P1.2.
* Delta Air Lines, after completing its merger with Northwest Airlines, reported combined numbers for the first time in the first quarter of 2010. For previous Northwest reports, see Financial Press Releases
** 20 carriers reported reservation cancellation fee revenue in 2Q 2010
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 1C: Miscellaneous Operating Revenue*
Ranked by 3rd Quarter 2010 Miscellaneous Operating Revenue
Dollars in Millions (000,000)
| 3Q 2010 Rank | Airline | 3rd Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter 2009 | 1st Quarter 2010 | 2nd Quarter 2010 | 3rd Quarter 2010 | Percent Change 3Q 2009-3Q 2010 (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Delta** | 206.0 | 188.1 | 209.0 | 243.8 | 250.3 | 21.5 |
| 2 | Southwest | 148.4 | 150.4 | 160.7 | 193.7 | 205.0 | 38.1 |
| 3 | US Airways | 58.4 | 51.9 | 54.7 | 54.4 | 53.7 | -8.0 |
| 4 | Spirit | 14.5 | 15.9 | 18.4 | 19.7 | 26.7 | 84.1 |
| 5 | American | 21.3 | 20.1 | 18.1 | 19.2 | 23.0 | 8.0 |
| 6 | AirTran | 15.6 | 13.3 | 13.3 | 14.1 | 14.2 | -9.0 |
| 7 | United | 11.2 | 10.4 | 9.6 | 10.6 | 11.5 | 2.7 |
| 8 | American Eagle | 6.3 | 6.7 | 7.3 | 10.0 | 11.3 | 79.4 |
| 9 | Continental | 8.5 | 6.9 | 7.2 | 8.5 | 9.0 | 5.9 |
| 10 | Alaska | 6.5 | 7.0 | 6.9 | 8.2 | 8.9 | 36.9 |
| Industry Total*** | 601.1 | 483.4 | 534.4 | 618.4 | 646.4 | 7.5 |
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.
** Delta Air Lines, after completing its merger with Northwest Airlines, reported combined numbers for the first time in the first quarter of 2010. For previous Northwest reports, see Financial Press Releases
*** 26 carriers reported miscellaneous operating revenue in 2Q 2010
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 1D: Ancillary Revenue*
Ranked by 3rd Quarter 2010 Ancillary Revenue
Dollars in Millions (000,000)
| 3Q 2010 Rank | Airline | 3rd Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter 2009 | 1st Quarter 2010 | 2nd Quarter 2010 | 3rd Quarter 2010 | Percent Change 3Q 2009-3Q 2010 (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Delta** | 447.5 | 425.7 | 592.1 | 681.6 | 693.1 | 54.9 |
| 2 | American | 261.2 | 253.3 | 261.1 | 292.3 | 291.8 | 11.7 |
| 3 | US Airways | 230.8 | 231.8 | 238.1 | 255.6 | 249.0 | 7.9 |
| 4 | Southwest | 155.7 | 157.2 | 167.5 | 201.7 | 212.7 | 36.6 |
| 5 | United | 168.5 | 146.2 | 155.5 | 179.1 | 180.1 | 6.9 |
| 6 | Continental | 130.5 | 129.1 | 142.8 | 160.7 | 160.5 | 23.0 |
| 7 | AirTran | 68.0 | 61.2 | 62.5 | 65.5 | 64.3 | -5.4 |
| 8 | Alaska | 47.3 | 42.2 | 41.6 | 46.3 | 56.6 | 19.7 |
| 9 | Spirit | 36.8 | 36.1 | 40.0 | 41.9 | 55.3 | 50.3 |
| 10 | JetBlue | 48.7 | 48.1 | 42.5 | 47.7 | 49.3 | 1.2 |
| Industry Total*** | 1,954.4 | 1,790.6 | 1,856.9 | 2,103.8 | 2,143.1 | 9.7 |
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics, Form 41; Schedule P1.2.
* Ancillary revenue includes 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.
** Delta Air Lines, after completing its merger with Northwest Airlines, reported combined numbers for the first time in the first quarter of 2010. For previous Northwest reports, see Financial Press Releases
*** 26 carriers reported baggage fee, reservation change fee or miscellaneous operating revenue in 2Q 2010
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 1E: Ancillary Revenue Compared to Total Operating Revenue*
Ranked by Percent of 3rd Quarter 2010 Operating Revenue from Ancillary Revenue
| 3Q 2010 Rank | Airline | 3rd Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter 2009 | 1st Quarter 2010 | 2nd Quarter 2010 | 3rd Quarter 2010 | Percentage Point Change 3Q 2009-3Q 2010 (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spirit | 20.6 | 21.0 | 21.7 | 24.2 | 26.9 | 6.3 |
| 2 | Allegiant | 9.3 | 8.8 | 9.9 | 9.9 | 9.7 | 0.4 |
| 3 | AirTran | 11.4 | 10.2 | 10.3 | 9.3 | 9.6 | -1.8 |
| 4 | Delta** | 9.3 | 9.5 | 8.6 | 8.3 | 7.7 | -1.6 |
| 5 | US Airways | 8.2 | 8.6 | 8.7 | 7.9 | 7.7 | -0.5 |
| 6 | Virgin America | 7.0 | 8.2 | 8.5 | 7.7 | 7.6 | 0.6 |
| 7 | Republic | 4.6 | 5.5 | 6.9 | 5.6 | 6.8 | 2.2 |
| 8 | Southwest | 5.9 | 5.8 | 6.4 | 6.4 | 6.7 | 0.8 |
| 9 | Hawaiian | 6.7 | 6.7 | 6.6 | 6.7 | 6.5 | -0.2 |
| 10 | Horizon | 3.2 | 2.9 | 3.0 | 5.6 | 6.1 | 2.9 |
| Industry Total*** | 6.0 | 5.8 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 5.8 | -0.2 |
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics, Form 41; Schedule P1.2.
* Ancillary revenue includes 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.
** Delta Air Lines, after completing its merger with Northwest Airlines, reported combined numbers for the first time in the first quarter of 2010. For previous Northwest reports, see Financial Press Releases
*** 26 carriers reported baggage fee, reservation change fee or miscellaneous operating revenue in 2Q 2010
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 2: Network Airline System* Quarterly Operating Profit/Loss Margin (In Percent)
Ranked by 3rd Quarter 2010 Margin
(Operating Profit/Loss as Percent of Total Operating Revenue)
| 3Q 2010 Rank | Network Airlines | 3rd Quarter 2009 (%) | 4th Quarter 2009 (%) | 1st Quarter 2010 (%) | 2nd Quarter 2010 (%) | 3rd Quarter 2010 (%) | 3rd Quarter Operating Profit/Loss $(Millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alaska | 16.8 | 3.4 | 5.2 | 15.5 | 20.0 | 191 |
| 2 | Delta | 1.4 | -2.1 | 1.6 | 11.2 | 13.3 | 1197 |
| 3 | Continental | 1.3 | -0.2 | -2.3 | 8.7 | 10.8 | 412 |
| 4 | United | 2.9 | 1.9 | 2.2 | 10.2 | 10.5 | 566 |
| 5 | US Airways | 0.1 | 1.0 | -0.4 | 11.1 | 9.6 | 310 |
| 6 | American | -4.8 | -8.5 | -6.4 | 2.8 | 5.0 | 290 |
| 7 | Northwest | 6.9 | 4.5 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 7-Carrier Total | 1.4 | -1.2 | -0.7 | 9.0 | 10.5 | 2,967 |
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 3rd Quarter 2010 Margin
(Operating Profit/Loss as Percent of Total Operating Revenue)
| 3Q 2010 Rank | Low-Cost Airlines | 3rd Quarter 2009 (%) | 4th Quarter 2009 (%) | 1st Quarter 2010 (%) | 2nd Quarter 2010 (%) | 3rd Quarter 2010 (%) | 3rd Quarter Operating Profit/Loss $(Millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | JetBlue | 7.7 | 7.6 | 4.8 | 10.1 | 14.3 | 148 |
| 2 | Southwest | 0.8 | 6.2 | 2.1 | 11.5 | 11.1 | 355 |
| 3 | Spirit | 14.6 | 12.4 | 13.1 | -1.3 | 11.0 | 22 |
| 4 | Virgin America | 3.2 | -8.2 | -13.1 | 6.1 | 10.4 | 21 |
| 5 | Allegiant | 14.4 | 11.7 | 20.0 | 13.9 | 9.3 | 15 |
| 6 | AirTran | 6.2 | 4.4 | 0.5 | 9.7 | 8.5 | 57 |
| 7 | Frontier | 10.3 | -4.6 | -8.1 | -0.1 | 5.1 | 17 |
| 7-Carrier Total | 4.2 | 5.5 | 2.4 | 9.9 | 11.0 | 635 |
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics; Form 41, Schedule P1.2
* System = domestic + international
Table 4: Regional Airline System* Quarterly Operating Profit/Loss Margin
Ranked by 3rd Quarter 2010 Margin (updated on March 17, 2011)
(Operating Profit/(Loss) as Percent of Total Operating Revenue)
| 3Q 2010 Rank | Regional Airlines | 3rd Quarter 2009 (%) | 4th Quarter 2009 (%) | 1st Quarter 2010 (%) | 2nd Quarter 2010 (%) | 3rd Quarter 2010 (%) | 3rd Quarter Operating Profit/Loss $(Millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Comair | 3.8 | -5.0 | 8.4 | 7.4 | 12.0 | 13 |
| 2 | American Eagle | 11.8 | 7.4 | 5.2 | 7.4 | 9.9 | 50 |
| 3 | SkyWest | 9.2 | 7.6 | 5.8 | 7.1 | 9.4 | 47 |
| 4 | Horizon | 13.7 | 4.3 | 0.9 | 4.2 | 7.7 | 14 |
| 5 | Atlantic Southeast | 10.7 | 8.1 | 8.1 | 8.0 | 5.4 | 10 |
| 6 | Mesa | 5.5 | 0.7 | 2.9 | 9.8 | 5.2 | 9 |
| 7 | ExpressJet | -4.7 | -9.9 | -7.8 | -4.3 | -2.1 | -4 |
| 7-Carrier Total | 8.0 | 3.9 | 3.8 | 6.1 | 7.4 | 138 |
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 3rd Quarter 2010 Fuel Cost Per ASM (Cents Per ASM)
(Fuel Expense Per Available Seat Mile in cents)
(updated with regional airline data on March 17, 2011)
| 3Q 2010 Rank | Airline Group | 3rd Quarter 2005 | 3rd Quarter 2009 | 2nd Quarter 2010 | 3rd Quarter 2010 | Pct. Change 2Q 2005-2Q 2010 | Percent Of Operating Costs for Fuel | 3rd Quarter Fuel Expense $(Millions) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 2010 | ||||||||
| 1 | Network | 3.13 | 3.24 | 3.69 | 3.54 | 13.1 | 24.5 | 25.0 | 6,316 |
| 2 | Low-Cost | 2.08 | 3.15 | 3.57 | 3.41 | 63.9 | 25.8 | 32.7 | 1,691 |
| 3 | Regional | 3.99 | 2.28 | 2.32 | 2.22 | -44.4 | 30.9 | 20.1 | 348 |
| 21-Carrier Total | 3.03 | 3.17 | 3.57 | 3.43 | 13.2 | 25.1 | 26.0 | 8,355 | |
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 3rd Quarter 2010 Fuel Cost Per ASM (Cents Per ASM)
(Fuel Expense Per Available Seat Mile in cents)
| 3Q 2010 Rank | Network Airlines | 3rd Quarter 2005 | 3rd Quarter 2009 | 2nd Quarter 2010 | 3rd Quarter 2010 | Pct. Change 3Q 2005-3Q 2010 | Percent Of Operating Costs for Fuel | 3rd Quarter Fuel Expense $(Millions) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 2010 | ||||||||
| 1 | United | 3.07 | 3.31 | 3.86 | 3.84 | 25.1 | 24.8 | 25.7 | 1,243 |
| 2 | Delta | 3.03 | 3.61 | 3.87 | 3.66 | 20.8 | 24.0 | 25.9 | 2,019 |
| 3 | American | 3.14 | 3.41 | 3.87 | 3.61 | 15.0 | 26.1 | 26.0 | 1,443 |
| 4 | US Airways | 3.14 | 2.83 | 3.33 | 3.25 | 3.5 | 22.7 | 21.1 | 621 |
| 5 | Continental | 2.89 | 2.84 | 3.22 | 3.15 | 9.0 | 22.7 | 23.3 | 791 |
| 6 | Alaska | 2.97 | 2.62 | 3.07 | 3.04 | 2.4 | 28.4 | 26.0 | 199 |
| 7 | Northwest | 3.57 | 3.27 | N/A | N/A | N/A | 24.3 | N/A | N/A |
| 7-Carrier Total | 3.13 | 3.24 | 3.69 | 3.54 | 13.1 | 24.5 | 25.0 | 6,316 | |
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 3rd Quarter 2010 Fuel Cost Per ASM (Cents Per ASM)
(Fuel Expense Per Available Seat Mile in cents)
| 3Q 2010 Rank | Low-Cost Airlines | 3rd Quarter 2005 | 3rd Quarter 2009 | 2nd Quarter 2010 | 3rd Quarter 2010 | Pct. Change 3Q 2005-3Q 2010 | Percent Of Operating Costs for Fuel | 3rd Quarter Fuel Expense $(Millions) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 2010 | ||||||||
| 1 | Allegiant | 3.50 | 2.92 | 4.00 | 3.94 | 12.6 | 44.9 | 44.1 | 62 |
| 2 | Southwest | 1.70 | 2.84 | 3.66 | 3.62 | 112.9 | 21.7 | 32.7 | 926 |
| 3 | AirTran | 3.20 | 2.60 | 3.57 | 3.28 | 2.5 | 33.5 | 33.6 | 205 |
| 4 | JetBlue | 2.17 | 2.86 | 3.21 | 3.21 | 47.9 | 31.5 | 33.0 | 292 |
| 5 | Virgin America | N/A | 2.19 | 3.11 | 3.04 | N/A | N/A | 32.7 | 59 |
| 6 | Spirit | 2.70 | 2.24 | 3.20 | 2.90 | 7.4 | 27.8 | 34.8 | 64 |
| 7 | Frontier | 2.89 | 2.31 | 4.44 | 2.83 | -2.1 | 28.6 | 25.4 | 83 |
| 7-Carrier Total | 2.08 | 2.74 | 3.57 | 3.41 | 63.9 | 25.8 | 32.7 | 1,691 | |
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 3rd Quarter 2010 Fuel Cost Per ASM (Cents Per ASM)
(Fuel Expense Per Available Seat Mile in cents) (updated on March 17, 2011)
| 3Q 2010 Rank | Regional Airlines | 3rd Quarter 2005 | 3rd Quarter 2009 | 2nd Quarter 2010 | 3rd Quarter 2010 | Pct. Change 3Q 2005-3Q 2010 | Percent Of Operating Costs for Fuel | 3rd Quarter Fuel Expense $(Millions) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 2010 | ||||||||
| 1 | American Eagle | 5.10 | 5.21 | 5.94 | 5.56 | 9.0 | 34.4 | 34.8 | 159 |
| 2 | Horizon | 3.02 | 3.68 | 4.24 | 4.17 | 38.1 | 19.1 | 20.9 | 35 |
| 3 | Mesa | 3.69 | 3.44 | 4.19 | 4.16 | 12.7 | 34.6 | 32.5 | 54 |
| 4 | SkyWest | 4.89 | 1.47 | 1.94 | 1.85 | -62.2 | 35.7 | 18.2 | 82 |
| 5 | ExpressJet | 1.77 | 0.16 | 0.38 | 0.42 | -76.3 | 15.5 | 6.1 | 13 |
| 6 | Atlantic Southeast | 4.77 | 0.13 | 0.23 | 0.26 | -94.5 | 36.0 | 2.8 | 5 |
| 7 | Comair | 5.15 | 6.47 | 0.00 | 0.00 | -100.0 | 35.1 | 0.0 | 0 |
| 7-Carrier Total | 3.99 | 2.41 | 2.32 | 2.22 | -44.4 | 30.9 | 20.1 | 348 | |
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics, Form 41; Schedule P6
* System = domestic + international
Table 9: Passenger Airline System* Unit Costs
Ranked by 3rd Quarter 2010 Unit Costs (Cents Per ASM)
(Operating Expenses per Available Seat Mile in cents)
(updated with regional airline data on March 17, 2011)
| 3Q 2010 Rank | Airline Group | 3rd Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter 2009 | 1st Quarter 2010 | 2nd Quarter 2010 | 3rd Quarter 2010 | 3rd Quarter Operating Expenses $(Millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Network | 13.7 | 14.9 | 14.7 | 14.5 | 14.2 | 25,272 |
| 2 | Regional | 11.8 | 12.5 | 12.0 | 11.4 | 11.1 | 1,733 |
| 3 | Low-Cost | 9.9 | 10.3 | 10.6 | 10.5 | 10.4 | 5,166 |
| 21-Carrier Total | 12.8 | 13.8 | 13.7 | 13.4 | 13.2 | 32,171 |
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 3rd Quarter 2010 Unit Costs (Cents Per ASM)
(Operating Expenses per Available Seat Mile in cents)
| 3Q 2010 Rank | Network Airlines | 3rd Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter 2009 | 1st Quarter 2010 | 2nd Quarter 2010 | 3rd Quarter 2010 | 3rd Quarter Operating Expenses $(Millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | US Airways | 15.0 | 16.0 | 16.5 | 15.7 | 15.4 | 2,940 |
| 2 | United | 13.4 | 14.2 | 14.7 | 14.9 | 14.9 | 4,830 |
| 3 | Delta | 14.2 | 15.8 | 14.9 | 14.4 | 14.1 | 7,790 |
| 4 | American | 13.9 | 14.9 | 14.6 | 14.3 | 13.9 | 5,547 |
| 5 | Continental | 12.8 | 13.9 | 14.1 | 13.9 | 13.6 | 3,400 |
| 6 | Alaska | 11.7 | 12.7 | 12.6 | 12.1 | 11.7 | 765 |
| 7 | Northwest | 13.1 | 15.3 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 7-Carrier Total | 13.7 | 14.9 | 14.7 | 14.5 | 14.2 | 25,272 |
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 3rd Quarter 2010 Unit Costs (Cents Per ASM)
(Operating Expenses per Available Seat Mile in cents)
| 3Q 2010 Rank | Low-Cost Airlines | 3rd Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter 2009 | 1st Quarter 2010 | 2nd Quarter 2010 | 3rd Quarter 2010 | 3rd Quarter Operating Expenses $(Millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Frontier | 9.9 | 11.1 | 9.1 | 11.0 | 11.1 | 329 |
| 2 | Southwest | 10.7 | 10.8 | 11.4 | 11.0 | 11.1 | 2,837 |
| 3 | AirTran | 9.1 | 9.9 | 10.6 | 10.1 | 9.8 | 611 |
| 4 | JetBlue | 9.4 | 9.6 | 9.8 | 9.7 | 9.7 | 884 |
| 5 | Virgin America | 8.6 | 9.5 | 9.4 | 9.2 | 9.3 | 181 |
| 6 | Allegiant | 8.3 | 9.2 | 8.7 | 8.9 | 8.9 | 141 |
| 7 | Spirit | 7.9 | 8.2 | 8.8 | 9.2 | 8.3 | 183 |
| 7-Carrier Total | 9.9 | 10.3 | 10.6 | 10.5 | 10.4 | 5,166 |
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 3rd Quarter 2010 Unit Costs (Cents Per ASM)
(Operating Expenses per Available Seat Mile in cents) (updated on March 17, 2011)
| 3Q 2010 Rank | Regional Airlines | 3rd Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter 2009 | 1st Quarter 2010 | 2nd Quarter 2010 | 3rd Quarter 2010 | 3rd Quarter Operating Expenses $(Millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Horizon | 18.0 | 19.9 | 20.0 | 19.6 | 20.0 | 167 |
| 2 | American Eagle | 16.2 | 19.1 | 19.6 | 17.1 | 16.0 | 458 |
| 3 | Mesa | 12.5 | 14.1 | 13.8 | 13.1 | 12.8 | 167 |
| 4 | SkyWest | 9.9 | 10.4 | 11.3 | 10.5 | 10.2 | 452 |
| 5 | Atlantic Southeast | 9.1 | 9.7 | 10.8 | 9.2 | 9.2 | 176 |
| 6 | Comair | 21.0 | 15.2 | 10.8 | 8.9 | 8.4 | 92 |
| 7 | ExpressJet | 6.7 | 7.1 | 6.7 | 6.8 | 7.0 | 221 |
| 7-Carrier Total | 11.8 | 12.5 | 12.0 | 11.4 | 11.1 | 1,733 |
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics; Form 41; Schedule P1.2. T100; T2 Data
* System = domestic + international
Table 13: Passenger Airline System* Unit Revenue
Ranked by 3rd Quarter 2010 Unit Revenue (Cents Per ASM)
(Operating Revenue Per Available Seat Mile in cents)
(updated with regional airline data on March 17, 2011)
| 3Q 2010 Rank | Airline Group | 3rd Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter 2009 | 1st Quarter 2010 | 2nd Quarter 2010 | 3rd Quarter 2010 | 3rd Quarter Operating Revenue $(Millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Network | 13.9 | 14.7 | 14.6 | 15.9 | 15.8 | 28,239 |
| 2 | Regional | 12.9 | 13.0 | 12.5 | 12.5 | 12.0 | 1,872 |
| 3 | Low-Cost | 10.4 | 10.9 | 10.8 | 11.6 | 11.7 | 5,801 |
| 21-Carrier Total | 13.1 | 13.8 | 13.7 | 14.8 | 14.7 | 35,912 |
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 3rd Quarter 2010 Unit Revenue (Cents Per ASM)
(Operating Revenue Per Available Seat Mile)
| 3Q 2010 Rank | Network Airlines | 3rd Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter 2009 | 1st Quarter 2010 | 2nd Quarter 2010 | 3rd Quarter 2010 | 3rd Quarter Operating Revenue $(Millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | US Airways | 15.0 | 16.1 | 16.4 | 17.6 | 17.0 | 3,250 |
| 2 | United | 13.8 | 14.5 | 15.0 | 16.6 | 16.7 | 5,396 |
| 3 | Delta | 14.4 | 15.4 | 15.1 | 16.2 | 16.3 | 8,987 |
| 4 | Continental | 13.0 | 13.9 | 13.8 | 15.3 | 15.2 | 3,812 |
| 5 | American | 13.3 | 13.7 | 13.7 | 14.8 | 14.6 | 5,837 |
| 6 | Alaska | 14.1 | 13.1 | 13.3 | 14.3 | 14.6 | 956 |
| 7 | Northwest | 14.0 | 16.0 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 7-Carrier Total | 13.9 | 14.7 | 14.6 | 15.9 | 15.8 | 28,239 |
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 3rd Quarter 2010 Unit Revenue (Cents Per ASM)
(Operating Revenue Per Available Seat Mile
| 3Q 2010 Rank | Low-Cost Airlines | 3rd Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter 2009 | 1st Quarter 2010 | 2nd Quarter 2010 | 3rd Quarter 2010 | 3rd Quarter Operating Revenue $(Millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Southwest | 10.7 | 11.5 | 11.6 | 12.4 | 12.5 | 3,192 |
| 2 | Frontier | 11.0 | 9.4 | 8.4 | 11.0 | 11.7 | 346 |
| 3 | JetBlue | 10.2 | 10.3 | 10.3 | 10.8 | 11.3 | 1,032 |
| 4 | AirTran | 9.7 | 10.3 | 10.7 | 11.2 | 10.7 | 668 |
| 5 | Virgin America | 8.9 | 10.6 | 8.3 | 9.8 | 10.4 | 202 |
| 6 | Allegiant | 9.7 | 10.6 | 10.9 | 10.3 | 9.8 | 156 |
| 7 | Spirit | 9.2 | 10.4 | 10.1 | 9.1 | 9.4 | 205 |
| 7-Carrier Total | 10.4 | 10.9 | 10.8 | 11.6 | 11.7 | 5,801 |
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 3rd Quarter 2010 Unit Revenue (Cents Per ASM)
(Operating Revenue Per Available Seat Mile) (updated on March 17, 2011)
| 3Q 2010 Rank | Regional Airlines | 3rd Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter 2009 | 1st Quarter 2010 | 2nd Quarter 2010 | 3rd Quarter 2010 | 3rd Quarter Operating Revenue $(Millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Horizon | 20.8 | 20.8 | 20.0 | 20.5 | 21.6 | 181 |
| 2 | American Eagle | 18.4 | 20.6 | 19.6 | 18.5 | 17.7 | 508 |
| 3 | Mesa | 13.2 | 14.2 | 14.2 | 14.5 | 13.5 | 176 |
| 4 | SkyWest | 10.9 | 11.2 | 11.3 | 11.3 | 11.2 | 499 |
| 5 | Atlantic Southeast | 10.2 | 10.5 | 10.8 | 10.0 | 9.7 | 186 |
| 6 | Comair | 21.8 | 14.5 | 10.8 | 9.6 | 9.5 | 105 |
| 7 | ExpressJet | 6.4 | 6.4 | 6.7 | 6.6 | 6.8 | 217 |
| 7-Carrier Total | 12.9 | 13.0 | 12.3 | 12.5 | 12.0 | 1,872 |
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics; Form 41, Schedule P1.2. T100; T2 Data
* System = domestic + international
Table 17: Airline System* Passenger Revenue Yield
Ranked by 3rd Quarter 2010 Revenue Yield (Cents Per RPM)
(Passenger Revenue per Revenue Passenger Mile in cents)
(updated with regional airline data on March 17, 2011)
| 3Q 2010 Rank | Airline Group | 3rd Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter 2009 | 1st Quarter 2010 | 2nd Quarter 2010 | 3rd Quarter 2010 | 3rd Quarter Passenger Revenue $(Millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Regional | 15.8 | 16.7 | 16.6 | 14.9 | 14.7 | 1,827 |
| 2 | Network | 11.2 | 12.1 | 12.6 | 13.0 | 13.0 | 19,946 |
| 3 | Low-Cost | 11.4 | 12.5 | 12.6 | 12.9 | 12.7 | 5,239 |
| 21-Carrier Total | 11.5 | 12.5 | 12.9 | 13.1 | 13.1 | 27,012 |
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 3rd Quarter 2010 Revenue Yield (Cents Per RPM)
(Passenger Revenue per Revenue Passenger Mile in cents)
| 3Q 2010 Rank | Network Airlines | 3rd Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter 2009 | 1st Quarter 2010 | 2nd Quarter 2010 | 3rd Quarter 2010 | 3rd Quarter Passenger Revenue $(Millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United | 11.2 | 11.9 | 12.4 | 13.4 | 13.3 | 3,732 |
| 2 | American | 12.0 | 12.7 | 13.4 | 13.3 | 13.3 | 4,455 |
| 3 | Alaska | 13.2 | 12.3 | 12.4 | 13.1 | 13.1 | 732 |
| 4 | Delta | 10.7 | 11.9 | 12.3 | 12.6 | 13.0 | 6,209 |
| 5 | Continental | 10.9 | 11.9 | 12.3 | 12.8 | 12.8 | 2,791 |
| 6 | US Airways | 10.9 | 12.2 | 12.7 | 12.9 | 12.6 | 2,027 |
| 7 | Northwest | 10.4 | 11.8 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 7-Carrier Total | 11.2 | 12.1 | 12.6 | 13.0 | 13.0 | 19,946 |
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 3rd Quarter 2010 Revenue Yield (Cents Per RPM)
(Passenger Revenue per Revenue Passenger Mile in cents)
| 3Q 2010 Rank | Low-Cost Airlines | 3rd Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter 2009 | 1st Quarter 2010 | 2nd Quarter 2010 | 3rd Quarter 2010 | 3rd Quarter Passenger Revenue $(Millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Southwest | 12.5 | 13.8 | 14.1 | 14.5 | 14.2 | 2,943 |
| 2 | JetBlue | 10.9 | 11.7 | 12.1 | 11.9 | 12.1 | 934 |
| 3 | Frontier | 10.3 | 10.1 | 8.1 | 10.0 | 11.8 | 306 |
| 4 | AirTran | 10.3 | 11.9 | 12.4 | 12.2 | 11.5 | 603 |
| 5 | Virgin America | 9.4 | 9.4 | 9.9 | 10.9 | 11.3 | 185 |
| 6 | Allegiant | 8.5 | 9.3 | 9.5 | 8.9 | 8.6 | 121 |
| 7 | Spirit | 8.8 | 9.4 | 9.8 | 8.6 | 8.1 | 149 |
| 7-Carrier Total | 11.4 | 12.5 | 12.6 | 12.9 | 12.7 | 5,239 |
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 3rd Quarter 2010 Revenue Yield (Cents Per RPM)
(Passenger Revenue per Revenue Passenger Mile in cents) (updated on March 17, 2011)
| 3Q 2010 Rank | Regional Airlines | 3rd Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter 2009 | 1st Quarter 2010 | 2nd Quarter 2010 | 3rd Quarter 2010 | 3rd Quarter Passenger Revenue $(Millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Horizon | 25.8 | 27.3 | 27.0 | 25.8 | 25.3 | 169 |
| 2 | American Eagle | 24.4 | 27.8 | 27.8 | 23.6 | 23.0 | 495 |
| 3 | Mesa | 16.5 | 18.6 | 18.7 | 17.6 | 16.3 | 173 |
| 4 | SkyWest | 13.3 | 14.1 | 14.6 | 13.9 | 13.7 | 491 |
| 5 | Atlantic Southeast | 12.5 | 13.5 | 13.8 | 12.0 | 12.1 | 186 |
| 6 | Comair | 26.0 | 19.3 | 15.1 | 12.2 | 12.0 | 104 |
| 7 | ExpressJet | 7.7 | 7.9 | 9.0 | 7.8 | 8.2 | 209 |
| 7-Carrier Total | 15.9 | 16.7 | 16.3 | 14.9 | 14.7 | 1,827 |
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics; Form 41; Schedule P1.2. T100; T2 Data
* System = domestic + international