1st-Quarter 2010 Airline Financial Data: Low-Cost and Regional Airlines Report Profits, Network Carriers Report Loss
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Monday, June 28, 2010 - Low-cost and regional airline groups reported operating profits in the first quarter of 2010 while the network airline group posted a second consecutive quarterly loss (Table 1), the U.S. Department of Transportation's Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) reported today in a release of preliminary data.
From January to March, the airlines collected $769 million in baggage fees (Table 1A) and $554 million from reservation change fees (Table 1B). Other ancillary fees, such as revenue from seating assignments and on-board sales of food, drink, pillows, blankets, and entertainment are reported in a different category with other items.
Airlines also reported revenue of $534 million from other ancillary revenue, 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 first quarter 2010 airline revenue from all ancillary sources was $1,857 million, with Delta reporting the most, $592 million (Table 1D).
The combined passenger fees and ancillary revenue from other sources constituted 6.2 percent of the total revenue of the 28 carriers that reported receiving ancillary revenue (Table 1E). Spirit Airlines' reported the largest percent of operating revenue from ancillary revenue of any carrier, 21.7 percent. For additional Miscellaneous Operating Revenue data, go to BTS Schedule P-12
Operating Margins
The six network carriers posted a loss margin of 0.7 percent in the first quarter with a combined operating loss of $163 million (Table 2). In the first quarter of 2009, these carriers reported a loss margin of 4.0 percent with a loss of $867 million.
The seven low-cost carriers reported a 2.4 percent profit margin with profits of $115 million. The six reporting regional carriers posted a 3.9 percent profit margin of $60 million.
See Airline Financial Data Press Releases for historic data. Operating margin measures profit or loss as a percentage of the airline's total operating revenue.
The top three operating profit margins were reported by low-cost carriers Allegiant Air and Spirit and regional carrier Comair (Tables 3, 4). Low-cost carrier Virgin America reported the largest loss margin. The only other operating losses were reported by network carriers American Airlines, US Airways and Continental Airlines, low-cost carrier Frontier Airlines and regional carrier ExpressJet Airlines (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 operatingcosts. 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 reportedoperatingrevenue in the most recent 12-month period.
Fuel Expenses
The six network airlines spent 23.3 percent of their operating expenses in the first quarter of 2010 on fuel, compared to 19.4 percent in the first quarter of 2005 (Table 6).
The network carriers spent 3.43 cents per available seat-mile (ASM) for fuel in the first quarter of 2010, up from 3.26 cents per ASM in the fourth quarter of 2009 and up from 3.08 cents per ASM in the first quarter of 2009 (Table 5).
Regional carriers American Eagle Airlines and Horizon Air and low-cost carrier Allegiant spent the most for fuel per ASM while regional carriers ExpressJet, Atlantic Southeast Airlines andComair spent the least (Tables 6, 7, 8).
ExpressJet's 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 and Delta has taken over fuel expenses for its regional subsidiary Comair.
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 13.9 cents per ASM in the first quarter of 2009 to 14.7 cents per ASM in the first quarter of 2010 (Table 9).
The carriers with the highest unit costs were regional airlines Horizonand American Eagle and network carrier US Airways. The lowest unit costs were reported by regional carrierExpressJet and low-cost carriers Allegiant and Spirit (Tables 10-12).
Unit Revenues
The six network carriers' unit revenues in the first quarter of 2010 were 14.6 cents per ASM compared to 13.4 cents in the first quarter of 2009 (Table 13).
The highest unit revenues were reported by regional carriers Horizon andAmerican Eagle and network carrier US Airways. The lowest unit revenues were reported by regional carrier ExpressJet and low-cost carriers Virgin America and Frontier (Tables 14-16).
Passenger Yield
The six network airlines' passenger yield was 12.6 cents per revenue passenger-mile (RPM) in the first quarter of 2010, up from 12.0 cents per RPM in the first 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 AmericanEagle, Horizon and Comair. The lowest passenger revenue yields were reported by regional carrierExpressJet and low-cost carriers Allegiant and Frontier. American reported the highest passenger yield of any network carrier (Tables 18-20).
Reporting Notes
Mesa Airlines requested confidentiality for its first quarter 2010 financial report. The numbers are being withheld pending a decision on the motion. The tables in this release include Mesa's previous quarterly data.
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 first 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 June 15. 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 second quarter 2010 financial data on Sept. 20.
Table 1: Passenger Airline System* Quarterly Operating Profit/Loss Margin (In Percent)
Ranked by 1st Quarter 2010 Margin
(Operating Profit/Loss as Percent of Total Operating Revenue)
| 1Q 2010 Rank | Airline Group | 1st Quarter 2009 (%) | 2nd Quarter 2009 (%) | 3rd Quarter 2009 (%) | 4th Quarter 2009 (%) | 1st Quarter 2010 (%) | 1st Quarter Operating Profit/Loss $(Millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Regional | 2.9 | 7.0 | 4.2 | 5.5 | 3.9 | 60 |
| 2 | Low-Cost | 4.3 | 7.2 | 8.3 | 3.9 | 2.4 | 115 |
| 3 | Network | -4.0 | -0.5 | 1.4 | -1.2 | -0.7 | -163 |
| 21-Carrier Total | -2.4 | 1.2 | 2.3 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 12 |
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics; Form 41, Schedule P1.2
* System = domestic + international
Table 1A: Baggage Fee Collections
Ranked by 1st Quarter 2010 Baggage Fee Revenue
Dollars in Millions (000,000)
| 1Q 2010 Rank | Airline | 1st Quarter 2009 | 2nd Quarter 2009 | 3rd Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter 2009 | 1st Quarter 2010 | Percent Change 1Q 2009-1Q 2010 (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Delta* | 102.8 | 118.4 | 129.5 | 131.1 | 217.8 | 111.9 |
| 2 | American | 108.1 | 118.4 | 119.5 | 129.2 | 128.5 | 18.9 |
| 3 | US Airways | 94.2 | 104.1 | 111.4 | 122.5 | 120.7 | 28.1 |
| 4 | Continental | 55.6 | 63.2 | 66.0 | 69.7 | 76.6 | 37.8 |
| 5 | United | 59.1 | 67.4 | 77.9 | 64.6 | 71.1 | 20.3 |
| 6 | AirTran | 30.9 | 40.5 | 40.2 | 34.3 | 35.0 | 13.3 |
| 7 | Alaska | 5.4 | 6.2 | 25.2 | 21.8 | 21.2 | 292.6 |
| 8 | Spirit | N/A | 16.2 | 16.4 | 14.3 | 16.0 | N/A |
| 9 | Allegiant | 11.6 | 12.0 | 10.3 | 10.2 | 14.8 | 27.6 |
| 10 | Frontier | 12.5 | 13.5 | 14.9 | 14.4 | 13.9 | 11.2 |
| Industry Total** | 577.9 | 669.6 | 739.8 | 736.1 | 768.5 | 33.0 |
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 1Q 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 1st Quarter 2010 Reservation Change Fee Revenue
Dollars in Millions (000,000)
| 1Q 2010 Rank | Airline | 1st Quarter 2009 | 2nd Quarter 2009 | 3rd Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter 2009 | 1st Quarter 2010 | Percent Change 1Q 2009-1Q 2010 (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Delta* | 86.9 | 100.7 | 112.0 | 106.5 | 165.3 | 90.2 |
| 2 | American | 115.9 | 109.6 | 120.4 | 104.0 | 114.4 | -1.3 |
| 3 | United | 78.1 | 81.1 | 79.4 | 71.2 | 74.7 | -4.4 |
| 4 | US Airways | 66.5 | 64.0 | 61.0 | 57.3 | 62.7 | -5.7 |
| 5 | Continental | 59.6 | 59.8 | 56.0 | 52.6 | 58.9 | -1.2 |
| 6 | JetBlue | 32.2 | 30.0 | 28.7 | 30.4 | 25.8 | -19.9 |
| 7 | AirTran | 4.8 | 12.3 | 12.2 | 13.5 | 14.2 | 195.8 |
| 8 | Alaska | 16.3 | 15.3 | 15.6 | 13.4 | 13.5 | -17.2 |
| 9 | Spirit | 5.8 | 5.9 | 5.9 | 5.9 | 5.6 | -3.4 |
| 10 | Virgin America | 3.0 | 3.0 | 3.0 | 3.8 | 4.5 | 50.0 |
| Industry Total** | 587.5 | 606.5 | 613.5 | 563.7 | 553.9 | -5.7 |
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
** 19 carriers reported reservation cancellation fee revenue in 1Q 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 1st Quarter 2010 Miscellaneous Operating Revenue
Dollars in Millions (000,000)
| 1Q 2010 Rank | Airline | 1st Quarter 2009 | 2nd Quarter 2009 | 3rd Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter 2009 | 1st Quarter 2010 | Percent Change 1Q 2009-1Q 2010 (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Delta** | 177.7 | 187.9 | 206.0 | 188.1 | 209.0 | 17.6 |
| 2 | Southwest | 143.0 | 148.2 | 148.4 | 150.4 | 160.7 | 12.4 |
| 3 | US Airways | 60.6 | 60.1 | 58.4 | 51.9 | 54.7 | -9.7 |
| 4 | Spirit | 30.6 | 14.7 | 14.5 | 15.9 | 18.4 | -39.9 |
| 5 | American Eagle | 17.4 | 18.4 | 21.3 | 20.1 | 18.1 | 4.0 |
| 6 | AirTran | 20.2 | 12.9 | 15.6 | 13.3 | 13.3 | -34.2 |
| 7 | United | 9.1 | 10.0 | 11.2 | 10.4 | 9.6 | 5.5 |
| 8 | ExpressJet | 7.3 | 7.1 | 6.8 | 7.2 | 7.5 | 2.7 |
| 9 | American Eagle | 7.5 | 6.1 | 6.3 | 6.7 | 7.3 | -2.7 |
| 10 | Continental | 28.8 | 13.1 | 8.5 | 6.9 | 7.2 | -75.0 |
| Industry Total*** | 709.9 | 673.4 | 736.5 | 611.3 | 534.4 | -24.7 |
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
*** 28 carriers reported miscellaneous operating revenue in 1Q 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 1st Quarter 2010 Ancillary Revenue
Dollars in Millions (000,000)
| 1Q 2010 Rank | Airline | 1st Quarter 2009 | 2nd Quarter 2009 | 3rd Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter 2009 | 1st Quarter 2010 | Percent Change 1Q 2009-1Q 2010 (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Delta** | 367.4 | 407.0 | 447.5 | 425.7 | 592.1 | 61.2 |
| 2 | American | 241.4 | 246.5 | 261.2 | 253.3 | 261.1 | 8.2 |
| 3 | US Airways | 221.3 | 228.2 | 230.8 | 231.8 | 238.1 | 7.6 |
| 4 | Southwest | 143.0 | 148.4 | 155.7 | 157.2 | 167.5 | 17.1 |
| 5 | United | 146.3 | 158.5 | 168.5 | 146.2 | 155.5 | 6.3 |
| 6 | Continental | 144.0 | 136.0 | 130.5 | 129.1 | 142.8 | -0.8 |
| 7 | AirTran | 55.9 | 65.7 | 68.0 | 61.2 | 62.5 | 11.8 |
| 8 | JetBlue | 48.9 | 48.5 | 48.7 | 48.1 | 42.5 | -13.1 |
| 9 | Alaska | 28.8 | 28.7 | 47.3 | 42.2 | 41.6 | 44.4 |
| 10 | Spirit | 36.4 | 36.8 | 36.8 | 36.1 | 40.0 | 9.1 |
| Industry Total*** | 1,875.3 | 1,949.5 | 2,089.8 | 1,911.1 | 1,856.9 | -1.0 |
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
*** 28 carriers reported baggage fee, reservation change fee or miscellaneous operating revenue in 1Q 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 1st Quarter 2010 Operating Revenue from Ancillary Revenue
| 1Q 2010 Rank | Airline | 1st Quarter 2009 | 2nd Quarter 2009 | 3rd Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter 2009 | 1st Quarter 2010 | Percentage Point Change 1Q 2009-1Q 2010 (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spirit | 21.4 | 20.5 | 20.6 | 21.0 | 21.7 | 0.3 |
| 2 | AirTran | 10.3 | 10.9 | 11.4 | 10.2 | 10.3 | 0.0 |
| 3 | Allegiant | 9.5 | 12.2 | 9.3 | 8.8 | 9.9 | 0.4 |
| 4 | US Airways | 8.7 | 8.3 | 8.2 | 8.6 | 8.7 | 0.0 |
| 5 | Delta** | 8.7 | 9.0 | 9.3 | 9.5 | 8.6 | -0.1 |
| 6 | Hawaiian | 6.6 | 7.1 | 6.7 | 6.7 | 6.6 | 0.0 |
| 7 | Southwest | 6.1 | 5.7 | 5.9 | 5.8 | 6.4 | 0.3 |
| 8 | Sun Country | 7.8 | 5.5 | 7.5 | 6.2 | 6.4 | -1.4 |
| 9 | Frontier | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.3 | 6.6 | 6.1 | 0.1 |
| 10 | Alaska | 4.5 | 4.0 | 6.6 | 5.9 | 5.6 | 1.1 |
| Industry Total** | 6.5 | 6.8 | 6.9 | 6.5 | 6.2 | -0.3 |
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
*** 28 carriers reported baggage fee, reservation change fee or miscellaneous operating revenue in 1Q 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 1st Quarter 2010 Margin
(Operating Profit/Loss as Percent of Total Operating Revenue)
| 1Q 2010 Rank | Network Airlines | 1st Quarter 2009 (%) | 2nd Quarter 2009 (%) | 3rd Quarter 2009 (%) | 4th Quarter 2009 (%) | 1st Quarter 2010 (%) | 1st Quarter Operating Profit/Loss $(Millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alaska | 1.0 | 4.2 | 16.8 | 3.4 | 5.2 | 38 |
| 2 | United | -3.7 | 4.3 | 2.9 | 1.9 | 2.2 | 94 |
| 3 | Delta | -10.0 | -3.5 | 1.4 | -2.1 | 1.6 | 107 |
| 4 | US Airways | -1.0 | 4.4 | 0.1 | 1.0 | -0.4 | -10 |
| 5 | Continental | -3.1 | -5.2 | 1.3 | -0.2 | -2.3 | -71 |
| 6 | American | -4.7 | -5.3 | -4.8 | -8.5 | -6.4 | -322 |
| 7 | Northwest | 0.9 | 5.4 | 6.9 | 4.5 | N/A | N/A |
| 7-Carrier Total | -4.0 | -0.5 | 1.4 | -1.2 | -0.7 | -163 |
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 1st Quarter 2010 Margin
(Operating Profit/Loss as Percent of Total Operating Revenue)
| 1Q 2010 Rank | Low-Cost Airlines | 1st Quarter 2009 (%) | 2nd Quarter 2009 (%) | 3rd Quarter 2009 (%) | 4th Quarter 2009 (%) | 1st Quarter 2010 (%) | 1st Quarter Operating Profit/Loss $(Millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Allegiant | 30.1 | 23.8 | 14.4 | 11.7 | 20.0 | 33 |
| 2 | Spirit | 17.1 | 17.3 | 14.6 | 12.4 | 13.1 | 24 |
| 3 | JetBlue | 9.1 | 7.9 | 7.7 | 7.6 | 4.8 | 42 |
| 4 | Southwest | -2.1 | 4.7 | 0.8 | 6.2 | 2.1 | 54 |
| 5 | AirTran | 8.8 | 11.0 | 6.2 | 4.4 | 0.5 | 3 |
| 6 | Frontier | 8.4 | 9.5 | 10.3 | -4.6 | -8.1 | -22 |
| 7 | Virgin America | -36.7 | -8.4 | 3.2 | -8.2 | -13.1 | -19 |
| 7-Carrier Total | 2.9 | 7.0 | 4.2 | 5.5 | 2.4 | 115 |
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 1st Quarter 2010 Margin
(Operating Profit/Loss as Percent of Total Operating Revenue)
| 1Q 2010 Rank | Regional Airlines | 1st Quarter 2009 (%) | 2nd Quarter 2009 (%) | 3rd Quarter 2009 (%) | 4th Quarter 2009 (%) | 1st Quarter 2010 (%) | 1st Quarter Operating Profit/Loss $(Millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Comair | 7.9 | 16.2 | 3.8 | -5 | 8.4 | 9 |
| 2 | Atlantic Southeast | 4.0 | 7.7 | 10.7 | 8.1 | 8.1 | 15 |
| 3 | SkyWest | 6.8 | 8.7 | 9.2 | 7.6 | 5.8 | 26 |
| 4 | American Eagle | 6.6 | 7.1 | 11.8 | 7.4 | 5.2 | 24 |
| 5 | Horizon | 1.4 | 7.0 | 13.7 | 4.3 | 0.9 | 1 |
| 6 | ExpressJet | -7.0 | -6.1 | -4.7 | -9.9 | -7.8 | -15 |
| 7 | Mesa** | 0.9 | 4.3 | 5.5 | 0.7 | N/A | N/A |
| 7-Carrier Total | 4.3 | 7.2 | 8.0 | 3.9 | 3.9 | 60 |
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics; Form 41, Schedule P1.2
* System = domestic + international
**Mesa has requested confidentiality for its 1st Quarter 2010 Form 41 Financial Data
Table 5: Passenger Airline System* Fuel Costs Per Available Seat-Mile
Ranked by 1st Quarter 2010 Fuel Cost Per ASM (Cents Per ASM)
(Fuel Expense Per Available Seat Mile in cents)
| 1Q 2010 Rank | Airline Group | 1st Quarter 2005 | 1st Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter 2009 | 1st Quarter 2010 | Pct. Change 1Q 2005-1Q 2010 | Percent Of Operating Costs for Fuel | 1st Quarter Fuel Expense $(Millions) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 2010 | ||||||||
| 1 | Network | 2.40 | 3.08 | 3.26 | 3.43 | 42.9 | 19.4 | 23.3 | 5,345 |
| 2 | Low-Cost | 1.74 | 2.69 | 3.20 | 3.34 | 92.0 | 22.1 | 31.6 | 1,504 |
| 3 | Regional | 3.26 | 2.40 | 2.46 | 2.00 | -38.7 | 24.4 | 6.2 | 251 |
| 21-Carrier Total | 2.35 | 2.93 | 3.20 | 3.33 | 41.7 | 20.0 | 22.4 | 7,100 | |
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 1st Quarter 2010 Fuel Fuel Cost Per ASM (Cents Per ASM)
(Fuel Expense Per Available Seat Mile in cents)
| 1Q 2010 Rank | Network Airlines | 1st Quarter 2005 | 1st Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter 2009 | 1st Quarter 2010 | Pct. Change 1Q 2005-1Q 2010 | Percent Of Operating Costs for Fuel | 1st Quarter Fuel Expense $(Millions) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 2010 | ||||||||
| 1 | Delta | 2.38 | 4.63 | 3.48 | 3.69 | 55.0 | 18.8 | 24.8 | 1,681 |
| 2 | American | 2.33 | 3.12 | 3.58 | 3.61 | 54.9 | 20.8 | 24.7 | 1,331 |
| 3 | United | 2.35 | 2.66 | 3.03 | 3.36 | 43.0 | 19.4 | 23.1 | 958 |
| 4 | US Airways | 2.46 | 2.20 | 3.04 | 3.20 | 30.1 | 18.6 | 19.4 | 531 |
| 5 | Continental | 2.26 | 2.61 | 2.86 | 3.02 | 33.6 | 16.8 | 21.4 | 681 |
| 6 | Alaska | 2.32 | 2.11 | 2.85 | 2.93 | 26.3 | 21.0 | 23.2 | 163 |
| 7 | Northwest | 2.71 | 2.91 | 3.51 | N/A | N/A | 20.1 | N/A | N/A |
| 7-Carrier Total | 2.40 | 3.08 | 3.26 | 3.43 | 42.9 | 19.4 | 23.3 | 5,345 | |
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 1st Quarter 2010 Fuel Cost Per ASM (Cents Per ASM)
(Fuel Expense Per Available Seat Mile in cents)
| 1Q 2010 Rank | Low-Cost Airlines | 1st Quarter 2005 | 1st Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter 2009 | 1st Quarter 2010 | Pct. Change 1Q 2005-1Q 2010 | Percent Of Operating Costs for Fuel | 1st Quarter Fuel Expense $(Millions) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 2010 | ||||||||
| 1 | Allegiant | 2.78 | 2.57 | 3.68 | 3.80 | 36.7 | 36.6 | 43.7 | 57 |
| 2 | Southwest | 1.52 | 2.88 | 3.37 | 3.62 | 138.2 | 19.8 | 31.9 | 821 |
| 3 | AirTran | 2.38 | 2.40 | 3.29 | 3.43 | 44.1 | 26.8 | 32.4 | 195 |
| 4 | JetBlue | 1.65 | 2.79 | 2.91 | 3.02 | 83.0 | 24.9 | 30.7 | 254 |
| 5 | Spirit | 2.58 | 1.99 | 2.69 | 2.96 | 14.7 | 29.9 | 33.7 | 54 |
| 6 | Virgin America | N/A | 1.90 | 2.86 | 2.94 | N/A | N/A | 31.3 | 52 |
| 7 | Frontier | 2.13 | 2.11 | 2.76 | 2.21 | 3.8 | 20.9 | 24.2 | 71 |
| 7-Carrier Total | 1.74 | 2.69 | 3.20 | 3.34 | 92.0 | 22.1 | 31.6 | 1,504 | |
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 1st Quarter 2010 Fuel Cost Per ASM (Cents Per ASM)
(Fuel Expense Per Available Seat Mile in cents)
| 1Q 2010 Rank | Regional Airlines | 1st Quarter 2005 | 1st Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter 2009 | 1st Quarter 2010 | Pct. Change 1Q 2005-1Q 2010 | Percent Of Operating Costs for Fuel | 1st Quarter Fuel Expense $(Millions) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 2010 | ||||||||
| 1 | American Eagle | 3.95 | 4.80 | 5.60 | 5.71 | 44.6 | 26.7 | 30.8 | 136 |
| 2 | Horizon | 2.45 | 2.94 | 4.04 | 4.10 | 67.3 | 14.6 | 20.7 | 33 |
| 3 | SkyWest | 3.66 | 2.16 | 1.55 | 1.82 | -50.3 | 26.6 | 17.0 | 72 |
| 4 | ExpressJet | 1.77 | 0.13 | 0.12 | 0.32 | -81.9 | 14.4 | 4.4 | 9 |
| 5 | Atlantic Southeast | 3.74 | 3.93 | 0.02 | 0.09 | -97.6 | 27.5 | 0.9 | 1 |
| 6 | Comair | 4.08 | 3.63 | 5.13 | 0.00 | N/A | 29.5 | 0.0 | 0 |
| 7 | Mesa** | 3.04 | 2.72 | 3.80 | N/A | N/A | 28.6 | N/A | N/A |
| 7-Carrier Total | 3.26 | 2.40 | 2.46 | 2.00 | -38.7 | 24.4 | 6.2 | 251 | |
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics, Form 41; Schedule P6
* System =domestic + international
**Mesa has requested confidentiality for its 1st Quarter 2010 Form 41 Financial Data
Table 9: Passenger Airline System* Unit Costs
Ranked by 1st Quarter 2010 Unit Costs (Cents Per ASM)
(Operating Expenses per Available Seat Mile in cents)
| 1Q 2010 Rank | Airline Group | 1st Quarter 2009 | 2nd Quarter 2009 | 3rd Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter 2009 | 1st Quarter 2010 | 1st Quarter Operating Expenses $(Millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Network | 13.9 | 13.5 | 13.7 | 14.9 | 14.7 | 22,915 |
| 2 | Regional | 13.3 | 12.4 | 11.8 | 12.5 | 11.8 | 1,486 |
| 3 | Low-Cost | 9.5 | 9.3 | 9.9 | 10.3 | 10.6 | 4,754 |
| 21-Carrier Total | 13.0 | 12.6 | 12.8 | 13.8 | 13.7 | 29,155 |
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 1st Quarter 2010 Unit Costs (Cents Per ASM)
(Operating Expenses per Available Seat Mile in cents)
| 1Q 2010 Rank | Network Airlines | 1st Quarter 2009 | 2nd Quarter 2009 | 3rd Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter 2009 | 1st Quarter 2010 | 1st Quarter Operating Expenses $(Millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | US Airways | 15.1 | 14.4 | 15.0 | 16.0 | 16.5 | 2,733 |
| 2 | Delta | 15.8 | 15.3 | 14.2 | 15.8 | 14.9 | 6,772 |
| 3 | United | 12.8 | 12.2 | 13.4 | 14.2 | 14.7 | 4,149 |
| 4 | American | 13.4 | 13.3 | 13.9 | 14.9 | 14.6 | 5,385 |
| 5 | Continental | 13.2 | 13.4 | 12.8 | 13.9 | 14.1 | 3,177 |
| 6 | Alaska | 11.7 | 12.3 | 11.7 | 12.7 | 12.6 | 700 |
| 7 | Northwest | 14.4 | 12.6 | 13.1 | 15.3 | N/A | N/A |
| 7-Carrier Total | 13.9 | 13.5 | 13.7 | 14.9 | 14.7 | 22,915 |
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 1st Quarter 2010 Unit Costs (Cents Per ASM)
(Operating Expenses per Available Seat Mile in cents)
| 1Q 2010 Rank | Low-Cost Airlines | 1st Quarter 2009 | 2nd Quarter 2009 | 3rd Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter 2009 | 1st Quarter 2010 | 1st Quarter Operating Expenses $(Millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Southwest | 9.9 | 9.7 | 10.7 | 10.8 | 11.4 | 2,576 |
| 2 | AirTran | 9.2 | 9.0 | 9.1 | 9.9 | 10.6 | 602 |
| 3 | JetBlue | 9.0 | 9.0 | 9.4 | 9.6 | 9.8 | 828 |
| 4 | Virgin America | 9.2 | 8.7 | 8.6 | 9.5 | 9.4 | 166 |
| 5 | Frontier | 9.2 | 9.1 | 9.9 | 11.1 | 9.1 | 292 |
| 6 | Spirit | 7.8 | 7.8 | 7.9 | 8.2 | 8.8 | 160 |
| 7 | Allegiant | 7.4 | 7.6 | 8.3 | 9.2 | 8.7 | 131 |
| 7-Carrier Total | 9.5 | 9.3 | 9.9 | 10.3 | 10.6 | 4,754 |
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 1st Quarter 2010 Unit Costs (Cents Per ASM)
(Operating Expenses per Available Seat Mile in cents)
| 1Q 2010 Rank | Regional Airlines | 1st Quarter 2009 | 2nd Quarter 2009 | 3rd Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter 2009 | 1st Quarter 2010 | 1st Quarter Operating Expenses $(Millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Horizon | 18.4 | 17.7 | 18.0 | 19.9 | 20.0 | 16 |
| 2 | American Eagle | 17.2 | 16.5 | 16.2 | 19.1 | 19.6 | 441 |
| 3 | SkyWest | 11.4 | 10.9 | 9.9 | 10.4 | 11.3 | 424 |
| 4 | Atlantic Southeast | 14.1 | 12.7 | 9.1 | 9.7 | 10.8 | 167 |
| 5 | Comair | 19.9 | 16.8 | 21.0 | 15.2 | 10.8 | 94 |
| 6 | ExpressJet | 7.4 | 6.9 | 6.7 | 7.1 | 6.7 | 203 |
| 7 | Mesa** | 12.8 | 12.2 | 12.5 | 14.1 | N/A | N/A |
| 7-Carrier Total | 13.3 | 12.4 | 11.8 | 12.5 | 11.8 | 1,486 |
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics; Form 41; Schedule P1.2. T100; T2 Data
* System =domestic + international
**Mesa has requested confidentiality for its 1st Quarter 2010 Form 41 Financial Data
Table 13: Passenger Airline System* Unit Revenue
Ranked by 1st Quarter 2010 Unit Revenue (Cents Per ASM)
(Operating Revenue Per Available Seat Mile in cents)
| 1Q 2010 Rank | Airline Group | 1st Quarter 2009 | 2nd Quarter 2009 | 3rd Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter 2009 | 1st Quarter 2010 | 1st Quarter Operating Revenue $(Millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Network | 13.4 | 13.4 | 13.9 | 14.7 | 14.6 | 22,752 |
| 2 | Regional | 13.9 | 13.4 | 12.9 | 13.0 | 12.3 | 1,546 |
| 3 | Low-Cost | 9.8 | 10.0 | 10.4 | 10.9 | 10.8 | 4,869 |
| 21-Carrier Total | 12.7 | 12.7 | 13.1 | 13.8 | 13.7 | 29,167 |
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 1st Quarter 2010 Unit Revenue (Cents Per ASM)
(Operating Revenue Per Available Seat Mile)
| 1Q 2010 Rank | Network Airlines | 1st Quarter 2009 | 2nd Quarter 2009 | 3rd Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter 2009 | 1st Quarter 2010 | 1st Quarter Operating Revenue $(Millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | US Airways | 14.9 | 15.0 | 15.0 | 16.1 | 16.4 | 2,723 |
| 2 | Delta | 14.4 | 14.8 | 14.4 | 15.4 | 15.1 | 6,879 |
| 3 | United | 12.3 | 12.7 | 13.8 | 14.5 | 15.0 | 4,243 |
| 4 | Continental | 12.8 | 12.7 | 13.0 | 13.9 | 13.8 | 3,106 |
| 5 | American | 12.8 | 12.7 | 13.3 | 13.7 | 13.7 | 5,063 |
| 6 | Alaska | 11.8 | 12.8 | 14.1 | 13.1 | 13.3 | 738 |
| 7 | Northwest | 14.5 | 13.3 | 14.0 | 16.0 | N/A | N/A |
| 7-Carrier Total | 13.4 | 13.4 | 13.9 | 14.7 | 14.6 | 22,752 |
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 1st Quarter 2010 Unit Revenue (Cents Per ASM)
(Operating Revenue Per Available Seat Mile)
| 1Q 2010 Rank | Low-Cost Airlines | 1st Quarter 2009 | 2nd Quarter 2009 | 3rd Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter 2009 | 1st Quarter 2010 | 1st Quarter Operating Revenue $(Millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Southwest | 9.7 | 10.2 | 10.7 | 11.5 | 11.6 | 2,630 |
| 2 | Allegiant | 10.6 | 9.9 | 9.7 | 10.6 | 10.9 | 164 |
| 3 | AirTran | 10.1 | 10.1 | 9.7 | 10.3 | 10.7 | 605 |
| 4 | JetBlue | 9.9 | 9.8 | 10.2 | 10.3 | 10.3 | 870 |
| 5 | Spirit | 9.4 | 9.4 | 9.2 | 10.4 | 10.1 | 184 |
| 6 | Frontier | 10.1 | 10.1 | 11.0 | 9.4 | 8.4 | 270 |
| 7 | Virgin America | 6.7 | 8.0 | 8.9 | 10.6 | 8.3 | 147 |
| 7-Carrier Total | 9.8 | 10.0 | 10.4 | 10.9 | 10.8 | 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 1st Quarter 2010 Unit Revenue (Cents Per ASM)
(Operating Revenue Per Available Seat Mile)
| 1Q 2010 Rank | Regional Airlines | 1st Quarter 2009 | 2nd Quarter 2009 | 3rd Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter 2009 | 1st Quarter 2010 | 1st Quarter Operating Revenue $(Millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Horizon | 18.6 | 19.1 | 20.8 | 20.8 | 20.0 | 158 |
| 2 | American Eagle | 18.5 | 17.8 | 18.4 | 20.6 | 19.6 | 465 |
| 3 | SkyWest | 12.3 | 11.9 | 10.9 | 11.2 | 11.3 | 450 |
| 4 | Comair | 21.6 | 20.1 | 21.8 | 14.5 | 10.8 | 103 |
| 5 | Atlantic Southeast | 14.7 | 13.7 | 10.2 | 10.5 | 10.8 | 182 |
| 6 | ExpressJet | 6.9 | 6.5 | 6.4 | 6.4 | 6.7 | 188 |
| 7 | Mesa** | 12.9 | 12.7 | 13.2 | 14.2 | N/A | N/A |
| 7-Carrier Total | 13.9 | 13.4 | 12.9 | 13.0 | 12.3 | 1,546 |
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics; Form 41, Schedule P1.2. T100; T2 Data
* System =domestic + international
**Mesa has requested confidentiality for its 1st Quarter 2010 Form 41 Financial Data
Table 17: Airline System* Passenger Revenue Yield
Ranked by 1st Quarter 2010 Revenue Yield (Cents Per RPM)
(Passenger Revenue per Revenue Passenger Mile in cents)
| 1Q 2010 Rank | Airline Group | 1st Quarter 2009 | 2nd Quarter 2009 | 3rd Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter 2009 | 1st Quarter 2010 | 1st Quarter Passenger Revenue $(Millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Regional | 18.9 | 16.6 | 15.8 | 16.7 | 16.3 | 1,522 |
| 2 | Network | 12.0 | 11.0 | 11.2 | 12.1 | 12.6 | 15,642 |
| 3 | Low-Cost | 12.1 | 11.5 | 11.4 | 12.5 | 12.6 | 4,358 |
| 21-Carrier Total | 12.4 | 11.4 | 11.5 | 12.5 | 12.8 | 21,522 |
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 1st Quarter 2010 Revenue Yield (Cents Per RPM)
(Passenger Revenue per Revenue Passenger Mile in cents)
| 1Q 2010 Rank | Network Airlines | 1st Quarter 2009 | 2nd Quarter 2009 | 3rd Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter 2009 | 1st Quarter 2010 | 1st Quarter Passenger Revenue $(Millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | American | 12.9 | 11.7 | 12.0 | 12.7 | 13.4 | 3,831 |
| 2 | US Airways | 11.7 | 10.8 | 10.9 | 12.2 | 12.7 | 1,655 |
| 3 | United | 11.2 | 10.7 | 11.2 | 11.9 | 12.4 | 2,870 |
| 4 | Alaska | 12.4 | 12.6 | 13.2 | 12.3 | 12.4 | 553 |
| 5 | Delta | 11.6 | 10.7 | 10.7 | 11.9 | 12.3 | 4,505 |
| 6 | Continental | 12.2 | 11.0 | 10.9 | 11.9 | 12.3 | 2,227 |
| 7 | Northwest | 12.2 | 10.6 | 10.4 | 11.8 | N/A | N/A |
| 7-Carrier Total | 12.0 | 11.0 | 11.2 | 12.1 | 12.6 | 15,642 |
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 1st Quarter 2010 Revenue Yield (Cents Per RPM)
(Passenger Revenue per Revenue Passenger Mile in cents)
| 1Q 2010 Rank | Low-Cost Airlines | 1st Quarter 2009 | 2nd Quarter 2009 | 3rd Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter 2009 | 1st Quarter 2010 | 1st Quarter Passenger Revenue $(Millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Southwest | 12.9 | 12.3 | 12.5 | 13.8 | 14.1 | 2,428 |
| 2 | AirTran | 12.0 | 11.2 | 10.3 | 11.9 | 12.4 | 542 |
| 3 | JetBlue | 11.7 | 11.0 | 10.9 | 11.7 | 12.1 | 785 |
| 4 | Virgin America | 8.7 | 8.6 | 9.4 | 9.4 | 9.9 | 132 |
| 5 | Spirit | 9.6 | 9.3 | 8.8 | 9.4 | 9.8 | 143 |
| 6 | Allegiant | 8.6 | 8.3 | 8.5 | 9.3 | 9.5 | 130 |
| 7 | Frontier | 11.9 | 10.8 | 10.3 | 10.1 | 8.1 | 198 |
| 7-Carrier Total | 12.1 | 11.5 | 11.4 | 12.5 | 12.6 | 4,358 |
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 1st Quarter 2010 Revenue Yield (Cents Per RPM)
(Passenger Revenue per Revenue Passenger Mile in cents)
| 1Q 2010 Rank | Regional Airlines | 1st Quarter 2009 | 2nd Quarter 2009 | 3rd Quarter 2009 | 4th Quarter 2009 | 1st Quarter 2010 | 1st Quarter Passenger Revenue $(Millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | American Eagle | 26.8 | 23.1 | 24.4 | 27.8 | 27.8 | 457 |
| 2 | Horizon | 27.0 | 24.9 | 25.8 | 27.3 | 27.0 | 153 |
| 3 | Comair | 30.4 | 25.2 | 26.0 | 19.3 | 15.1 | 101 |
| 4 | SkyWest | 16.4 | 14.8 | 13.3 | 14.1 | 14.6 | 441 |
| 5 | Atlantic Southeast | 18.9 | 16.7 | 12.5 | 13.5 | 13.8 | 182 |
| 6 | ExpressJet | 9.2 | 7.9 | 7.7 | 7.9 | 9.0 | 188 |
| 7 | Mesa** | 17.3 | 15.6 | 16.5 | 18.6 | N/A | N/A |
| 7-Carrier Total | 18.9 | 16.6 | 15.9 | 16.7 | 16.3 | 1,522 |
Source: Form 41; Schedule P1.2. T100; T2 Data
* System =domestic + international
**Mesa has requested confidentiality for its 1st Quarter 2010 Form 41 Financial Data