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December 2010 Passenger Airline Employment Rose 0.2 Percent from December 2009
December 2010 Passenger Airline Employment Rose 0.2 Percent from December 2009
BTS 11-11Dave Smallen
202-366-5568
Friday, February 18, 2011 - U.S. scheduled passenger airlines employed 0.2 percent more workers in December 2010 than they did in December 2009, the U.S. Department of Transportation's Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) reported today. Prior to November, during which no change in employment was reported, there were 28 consecutive months of decreases in full-time equivalent employee (FTE) levels for the scheduled passenger carriers from the same month of the previous year. FTE calculations count two part-time employees as one full-time employee.
BTS, a part of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration, reported that the December FTE total of 379,651 for the scheduled passenger carriers was 698 more than that of December 2009 (Table 3). Historic employment data can be found on the BTS web site.
Five network airlines American Airlines, US Airways, Alaska Airlines, Continental Airlines and United Airlines decreased employment from December 2009 to December 2010. The sixth network carrier, Delta Air Lines, after completing its merger with Northwest Airlines, is reporting combined employment numbers in 2010 and reported 1.7 percent more FTEs in December 2010 than the combined totals of both carriers for December 2009 (Table 9). Network airlines operate a significant portion of their flights using at least one hub where connections are made for flights to down-line destinations or spoke cities.
All seven low-cost carriers reported more FTEs in December 2010 than in December 2009. They are Virgin America Airlines; Frontier Airlines; Spirit Airlines; Allegiant Air; JetBlue Airways; AirTran Airways; and Southwest Airlines (Table 12).
Regional carriers Lynx Airlines, Republic Airlines, Mesa Airlines, Horizon Air, Mesaba Airlines, Comair, and GoJet Airlines reported reduced employment levels compared to last year (Table 15).
Scheduled passenger airline categories include network, low-cost, regional and other airlines.
The six network airlines employed 256,834 FTEs in December, 67.7 percent of the passenger airline total, while seven low-cost carriers employed 17.0 percent and 18 regional carriers employed 13.8 percent (Table 4).
Delta employed the most FTEs in December among the network airlines, Southwest employed the most FTEs among low-cost airlines, and American Eagle Airlines employed the most FTEs among regional airlines. Six of the top 10 employers in the industry are network airlines (Table 6).
Beginning with December 2007 data, US Airways' numbers are combined with numbers for America West Airlines in the network category. For previous months, America West's numbers were included with the low-cost airlines.
Network Airlines
FTEs at the group of six network airlines decreased 0.5 percent in December 2010 compared to December 2009 (Table 7). The network airlines employed 1,314 fewer FTEs in December 2010 than in December 2009 (Table 8). Delta and Northwest reported separately in December 2009 while their reports were combined in December 2010.
Within the group, all network carriers except Delta decreased FTEs from December 2009 to December 2010: Alaska, 3.4 percent; Continental, 2.2 percent; American, 1.4 percent; US Airways, 1.1 percent; and United, 0.8 percent. Delta increased FTEs by 1.7 percent compared to total Delta and Northwest FTEs for December 2009 (Table 9).
The network airlines employed 6,062 fewer FTEs in December 2010 than in 2006 even though America West's numbers were not combined with US Airways in the network category until December 2007 (Table 8).
The biggest percentage decline in FTE employment from 2006 to 2010 was at United, down 16.7 percent, a reduction of 8,731 FTEs, followed by American, down 9.9 percent. December 2010 numbers for Delta and US Airways are not comparable to 2006 because of the intervening mergers (Table 9).
Low-Cost Airlines
Low-cost airline FTEs were up 3.3 percent in December 2010 from December 2009 (Tables 10, 11).
All seven low-cost airlines reported year-to-year increases: Virgin America, 24.6 percent; Spirit, 14.5 percent; Frontier, 14.3 percent; JetBlue, 4.0 percent; Allegiant, 2.8 percent; AirTran, 1.9 percent and Southwest, 0.5 percent (Table 12).
The six low-cost carriers reporting employment data in both 2006 and 2010 employed 10.3 percent more FTEs in December 2010 than in December 2006. Allegiant reported the largest percentage increase, up 90.2 percent (Table 12).
Low-cost airlines are those that the industry recognizes as operating under a low-cost business model, with lower infrastructure and aircraft operating costs.
Regional Airlines
Regional airline FTEs were down 0.3 percent in December 2010 compared to December 2009 (Table 13).
Lynx, down 71.2 percent and Republic, down 21.3 percent, reported the largest decreases in the regional group. Colgan Airlines, up 22.3 percent; and Compass Airlines, up 7.0 percent, reported the largest increases in the group (Table 15).
The 15 regional carriers reporting employment data in both 2006 and 2010 employed 12.0 percent fewer FTEs in 2010 than in 2006. Comair reported the largest percentage decline, down 60.0 percent, followed by Mesa, down 36.9 percent, and Atlantic Southeast Airlines, down 34.4 percent (Table 15).
Republic reported the biggest four-year gain, 214.2 percent, followed by GoJet at 77.6 percent (Table 15). Effective with December 2009 reporting, Republic's employment numbers include FTE's from Midwest Airlines. Midwest employment data were formerly included in the "Other Airlines" category.
Regional carriers typically provide service from small cities, using primarily regional jets to support the network carriers' hub and spoke systems.
Reporting Notes
Airlines that operate at least one aircraft with the capacity to carry combined passengers, cargo and fuel of 18,000 pounds the payload factor must report monthly employment statistics.
The Other Carrier category generally reflects those airlines that operate within specific niche markets, such as Continental Micronesia in the Southwest Pacific and Hawaiian Airlines serving the Hawaiian Islands.
Data are compiled from monthly reports filed with BTS by commercial air carriers as of Feb. 14. Additional airline employment data can be found on the BTS website at http://www.bts.gov/programs/airline_information/number_of_employees/. BTS has scheduled release of January passenger airline employment data for March 15.
Table 1: Change from Previous Month in Passenger Airline Full-time Equivalent Employees* by Airline Group
Most recent 13 months - percent change compared to same month of the previous year
| Month | Network Carriers (Pct. Change) From Table 7 | Low-Cost Carriers (Pct. Change)From Table 10 | Regional Carriers(Pct. Change)From Table13 | All Passenger Airlines**(Pct. Change)From Table 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec. 2008-Dec. 2009 | -2.5 | 0.0 | -8.9 | -3.3 |
| Jan. 2009-Jan. 2010 | -2.3 | 1.4 | -8.5 | -2.9 |
| Feb. 2009-Feb. 2010 | -3.0 | 1.4 | -9.8 | -3.5 |
| Mar. 2009-Mar. 2010 | -3.1 | 1.2 | -10.1 | -3.8 |
| Apr. 2009-Apr. 2010 | -3.6 | 0.5 | -9.3 | -4.1 |
| May 2009-May 2010 | -1.9 | 0.6 | -8.0 | -2.7 |
| June 2009-June 2010 | -1.6 | 0.9 | -7.7 | -2.4 |
| July 2009-July 2010 | -1.6 | 1.5 | -7.5 | -2.3 |
| Aug. 2009-Aug. 2010 | -0.9 | 2.0 | -7.2 | -1.7 |
| Sept. 2009-Sept. 2010 | 0.3 | 2.7 | -6.6 | -0.6 |
| Oct. 2009-Oct. 2010 | -1.2 | 3.0 | 0.5 | -0.4 |
| Nov. 2009-Nov. 2010 | -0.7 | 3.2 | -1.0 | 0.0 |
| Dec. 2009-Dec. 2010 | -0.5 | 3.3 | -0.3 | 0.2 |
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics
* Full-time Equivalent Employee (FTE) calculations count two part-time employees as one full-time employee.
** Includes network, low-cost, regional and other carriers. Other Carriers generally operate within specific niche markets. They are: Continental Micronesia, Hawaiian Airlines, Sun Country Airlines and USA3000 Airlines. Casino Express Airlines is no longer included.
Note: Percent changes based on numbers prior to rounding.
Table 2: Change from Previous Year in Total Passenger Airline* Full-time Equivalent Employees**
Percent change compared to same month the previous year
| Month | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -0.4 | 3.4 | -6.7 | -2.9 |
| February | 0.4 | 3.0 | -6.6 | -3.5 |
| March | 0.7 | 1.9 | -5.6 | -3.8 |
| April | 1.4 | 1.3 | -5.5 | -4.1 |
| May | 2.2 | 0.8 | -6.8 | -2.7 |
| June | 2.5 | 0.1 | -6.3 | -2.4 |
| July | 2.8 | -0.8 | -5.9 | -2.3 |
| August | 2.6 | -2.1 | -5.5 | -1.7 |
| September | 3.1 | -4.5 | -4.4 | -0.6 |
| October | 3.5 | -5.7 | -3.7 | -0.4 |
| November | 3.7 | -6.5 | -3.3 | 0.0 |
| December | 3.7 | -6.7 | -3.3 | 0.2 |
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics
* Includes network, low-cost, regional and other carriers.
** Full-time Equivalent Employee (FTE) calculations count two part-time employees as one full-time employee.
Note: Percent changes based on numbers prior to rounding.
Table 3: Total Passenger Airline* Full-time Equivalent Employees** by Month
Numbers in thousands (000's)
| Month | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | Percent Change | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006-2010 | 2009-2010 | ||||||
| January | 405.6 | 404.1 | 418.7 | 390.6 | 379.4 | -6.5 | -2.9 |
| February | 404.3 | 405.8 | 419.0 | 391.6 | 378.0 | -6.5 | -3.5 |
| March | 404.9 | 407.9 | 415.5 | 392.1 | 377.3 | -6.8 | -3.8 |
| April | 404.4 | 410.0 | 415.4 | 392.1 | 376.2 | -7.0 | -4.1 |
| May | 403.5 | 412.3 | 415.5 | 387.4 | 377.0 | -6.6 | -2.7 |
| June | 403.7 | 413.9 | 414.4 | 387.7 | 378.3 | -6.3 | -2.4 |
| July | 403.2 | 414.4 | 411.1 | 386.8 | 378.1 | -6.2 | -2.3 |
| August | 404.6 | 415.2 | 406.7 | 384.3 | 377.8 | -6.6 | -1.7 |
| September | 403.6 | 416.1 | 397.3 | 379.9 | 377.7 | -6.4 | -0.6 |
| October | 403.4 | 417.9 | 394.2 | 379.7 | 378.1 | -6.3 | -0.4 |
| November | 404.3 | 419.5 | 392.1 | 379.4 | 379.3 | -6.2 | 0.0 |
| December | 404.8 | 419.7 | 391.8 | 379.0 | 379.7 | -6.2 | 0.2 |
| 12-Month Average | 404.2 | 413.1 | 407.6 | 386.0 | 378.1 | -6.5 | -2.1 |
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics
* Includes network, low-cost, regional and other carriers.
** Full-time Equivalent Employee (FTE) calculations count two part-time employees as one full-time employee.
Note: Percent changes and averages based on numbers prior to rounding.
Table 4: Airline Group Full-time Equivalent Employees*, December 2006-2010
FTE numbers in thousands (000's)
| Network** | Low-Cost** | Regional | All Passenger Airlines*** | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 262.9 | 72.5 | 58.2 | 404.8 |
| 2007 | 282.7 | 64.8 | 61.1 | 419.7 |
| 2008 | 264.7 | 62.6 | 57.9 | 391.8 |
| 2009 | 258.1 | 62.6 | 52.7 | 379.0 |
| 2010 | 256.8 | 64.7 | 52.5 | 379.7 |
| Pct. Change 2006-2010 | -2.3% | -10.8% | -9.7% | -6.2% |
| Percent of Total Passenger Airline Employees in 2010 | 67.7% | 17.0% | 13.8% |
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics
* Full-time Equivalent Employee (FTE) calculations count two part-time employees as one full-time employee.
** America West's employment numbers were included with the low-cost airlines prior to October 2007. Beginning with October 2007, America West's numbers are combined with US Airways numbers in the network category.
*** Includes network, low-cost, regional and other carriers.
Note: Percent changes based on numbers prior to rounding.
Table 5: Year-to-Year Change in Airline Group Full-time Equivalent Employees*, December 2006-2010
Percent change in FTEs from the same month of the previous year
| Network** | Low-Cost** | Regional | All Passenger Airlines*** | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | -2.9 | 1.8 | 3.0 | -0.9 |
| 2007 | 7.5 | -10.6 | 4.9 | 3.7 |
| 2008 | -6.3 | -3.3 | -5.2 | -6.6 |
| 2009 | -2.5 | 0.0 | -8.9 | -3.3 |
| 2010 | -0.5 | 3.3 | -0.3 | 0.2 |
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics
* Full-time Equivalent Employee (FTE) calculations count two part-time employees as one full-time employee.
** America West's employment numbers were included with the low-cost airlines prior to October 2007. Beginning with October 2007, America West's numbers are combined with US Airways numbers in the network category.
*** Includes network, low-cost, regional and other carriers.
Note: Percent changes based on numbers prior to rounding.
Table 6: Top 10 Airlines, December 2010
Ranked by Number of Full-Time Equivalent Employees*
| Rank | Airline | Total FTE Employees (000) | Carrier Group | Top 10 Airlines December 2009** |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Delta | 76.5 | Network | American |
| 2 | American | 65.7 | Network | Delta |
| 3 | United | 43.6 | Network | United |
| 4 | Southwest | 34.9 | Low-Cost | Southwest |
| 5 | Continental | 32.4 | Network | Continental |
| 6 | US Airways | 29.6 | Network | US Airways |
| 7 | JetBlue | 11.3 | Low-Cost | Northwest |
| 8 | American Eagle | 9.5 | Regional | JetBlue |
| 9 | SkyWest | 9.1 | Regional | Alaska |
| 10 | Alaska | 9.0 | Network | American Eagle |
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics
* Full-time Equivalent Employee (FTE) calculations count two part-time employees as one full-time employee.
** See Table 9 for Network, Table 12 for Low-Cost and Table 15 for Regional
Table 7: Network Airlines - Year-to-Year Change in Full-time Equivalent Employees* from the Previous Year**
Percent change compared to same month the previous year
| 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -2.6 | 7.5 | -6.3 | -2.3 |
| February | -2.2 | 7.7 | -6.4 | -3.0 |
| March | -1.4 | 7.5 | -6.7 | -3.1 |
| April | -0.7 | 7.1 | -6.5 | -3.6 |
| May | 0.3 | 6.4 | -8.2 | -1.9 |
| June | 1.3 | 5.3 | -7.8 | -1.6 |
| July | 1.5 | 4.3 | -7.1 | -1.6 |
| August | 1.5 | 2.7 | -6.4 | -0.9 |
| September | 1.8 | -0.2 | -5.0 | 0.3 |
| October | 7.2 | -5.4 | -2.8 | -1.2 |
| November | 7.5 | -6.2 | -2.7 | -0.7 |
| December | 7.5 | -6.3 | -2.5 | -0.5 |
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics
* Full-time Equivalent Employee (FTE) calculations count two part-time employees as one full-time employee.
** US Airways' employment numbers were included with the network airlines prior to October 2007 while America West's numbers were included with the low-cost airlines. Beginning with October 2007, US Airways' numbers are combined with America West's numbers in the network category.
Note: Percent changes based on numbers prior to rounding.
Table 8: Network Airlines Full-time Equivalent Employees* by Month**
Numbers in thousands (000's
| Month | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | Percent Change | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006-2010 | 2009-2010 | ||||||
| January | 269.1 | 262.0 | 281.7 | 263.9 | 257.8 | -4.2 | -2.3 |
| February | 268.2 | 262.4 | 282.6 | 264.6 | 256.8 | -4.3 | -3.0 |
| March | 267.8 | 264.1 | 283.9 | 264.8 | 256.5 | -4.2 | -3.1 |
| April | 266.6 | 264.8 | 283.7 | 265.2 | 255.7 | -4.1 | -3.6 |
| May | 265.8 | 266.6 | 283.6 | 260.5 | 255.5 | -3.9 | -1.9 |
| June | 265.3 | 268.6 | 282.8 | 260.8 | 256.6 | -3.3 | -1.6 |
| July | 264.9 | 268.7 | 280.4 | 260.5 | 256.4 | -3.2 | -1.6 |
| August | 264.8 | 268.8 | 276.1 | 258.6 | 256.1 | -3.3 | -0.9 |
| September | 264.0 | 268.8 | 268.4 | 254.9 | 255.8 | -3.1 | 0.3 |
| October | 263.0 | 281.9 | 266.6 | 259.0 | 255.9 | -2.7 | -1.2 |
| November | 263.0 | 282.7 | 265.2 | 258.1 | 256.4 | -2.5 | -0.7 |
| December | 262.9 | 282.7 | 264.7 | 258.1 | 256.8 | -2.3 | -0.5 |
| 12-Month Average | 265.5 | 270.2 | 276.7 | 260.8 | 256.4 | -3.4 | -1.7 |
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics
* Full-time Equivalent Employee (FTE) calculations count two part-time employees as one full-time employee.
** US Airways' employment numbers were included with network airlines prior to October 2007 while America West's numbers were included with low-cost airlines. Beginning with October 2007, US Airways' numbers are combined with America West's numbers in the network category.
Note: Percent changes and averages based on numbers prior to rounding.
Table 9: By Network Airline: Full-time Equivalent Employees*, December 2006-2010**
(FTEs for December of each year. Ranked by December 2010 FTEs)
Numbers in thousands (000's)
| Rank | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | Percent Change | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006-2010 | 2009-2010 | |||||||
| 1 | Delta*** | 44.6 | 48.4 | 45.4 | 49.0 | 76.5 | 71.4 | 56.3 |
| 2 | American | 73.0 | 73.2 | 70.1 | 66.7 | 65.7 | -9.9 | -1.4 |
| 3 | United | 52.3 | 52.4 | 45.8 | 43.9 | 43.6 | -16.7 | -0.8 |
| 4 | Continental | 34.5 | 36.0 | 34.5 | 33.2 | 32.4 | -5.9 | -2.2 |
| 5 | US Airways | 19.4 | 32.7 | 31.4 | 29.9 | 29.6 | 52.4 | -1.1 |
| 6 | Alaska | 9.4 | 9.9 | 9.6 | 9.3 | 9.0 | -5.0 | -3.4 |
| 7 | Northwest*** | 29.6 | 30.0 | 28.0 | 26.2 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Total | 262.9 | 282.7 | 264.7 | 258.1 | 256.8 | -2.3 | -0.5 | |
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics
Note: Detail may not add to total due to rounding
* Full-time Equivalent Employee (FTE) calculations count two part-time employees as one full-time employee.
** Beginning October 2007, US Airways' numbers are combined with America West Airlines' numbers in the network category. For America West's previous year numbers in the low-cost category, see Table 12.
*** Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines completed their merger and began reporting combined numbers in January 2010
Note: Percent changes based on numbers prior to rounding.
Table 10: Low-Cost Airlines - Year-to-Year Change in Full-time Equivalent Employees* from the Previous Year**
Percent change compared to same month the previous year
| Month | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 4.8 | -9.7 | -3.1 | 1.4 |
| February | 5.3 | -10.2 | -3.0 | 1.4 |
| March*** | 4.7 | -13.3 | 0.1 | 1.2 |
| April | 6.0 | -15.2 | 1.2 | 0.5 |
| May | 5.6 | -14.8 | 1.2 | 0.6 |
| June | 5.6 | -14.9 | 0.8 | 0.9 |
| July | 6.1 | -16.1 | 0.9 | 1.5 |
| August | 5.5 | -16.4 | -0.2 | 2.0 |
| September | 6.2 | -17.3 | -0.1 | 2.7 |
| October | -11.3 | -1.5 | -0.4 | 3.0 |
| November | -10.3 | -2.8 | -0.1 | 3.2 |
| December | -10.6 | -3.3 | 0.0 | 3.3 |
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics
* Full-time Equivalent Employee (FTE) calculations count two part-time employees as one full-time employee.
** US Airways' employment numbers were included with network airlines prior to October 2007 while America West's numbers were included with low-cost airlines. Beginning with October 2007, US Airways' numbers are combined with America West's numbers in the network category.
*** ATA Airlines ceased operating April 3, 2008 and stopped reporting employment data in March.
Note: Percent changes based on numbers prior to rounding.
Table 11: Low-Cost Airlines Full-time Equivalent Employees* by Month**
Numbers in thousands (000's)
| 2006 | 2007*** | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | Percent Change | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006-2010 | 2009-2010 | ||||||
| January | 68.4 | 71.7 | 64.7 | 62.7 | 63.6 | -7.0 | 1.4 |
| February | 68.7 | 72.3 | 64.9 | 62.9 | 63.8 | -7.0 | 1.4 |
| March**** | 69.3 | 72.6 | 62.9 | 63.0 | 63.8 | -8.0 | 1.2 |
| April | 69.6 | 73.8 | 62.5 | 63.3 | 63.6 | -8.7 | 0.5 |
| May | 69.8 | 73.7 | 62.8 | 63.5 | 63.9 | -8.4 | 0.6 |
| June | 70.1 | 74.0 | 62.9 | 63.5 | 64.0 | -8.7 | 0.9 |
| July | 70.2 | 74.5 | 62.5 | 63.0 | 63.9 | -8.8 | 1.5 |
| August | 71.3 | 75.3 | 62.9 | 62.8 | 64.0 | -10.2 | 2.0 |
| September | 71.1 | 75.5 | 62.5 | 62.4 | 64.1 | -9.8 | 2.7 |
| October | 71.7 | 63.6 | 62.7 | 62.4 | 64.3 | -10.4 | 3.0 |
| November | 71.9 | 64.5 | 62.7 | 62.6 | 64.7 | -10.1 | 3.2 |
| December | 72.5 | 64.8 | 62.6 | 62.6 | 64.7 | -10.8 | 3.3 |
| 12-Month Average | 70.4 | 71.4 | 63.1 | 63.0 | 64.0 | -9.0 | 1.6 |
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics
* Full-time Equivalent Employee (FTE) calculations count two part-time employees as one full-time employee.
** US Airways' employment numbers were included with the network airlines prior to October 2007 while America West's numbers were included with the low-cost airlines. Beginning with October 2007, US Airways' numbers are combined with America West Airlines' numbers in the network category.
*** Virgin America and SkyBus began reporting employment data in August 2007. SkyBus stopped reporting employment data effective in April 2008 resulting from its bankruptcy filing.
**** ATA Airlines ceased operating on April 3, 2008 and stopped reporting employment data effective in March.
Note: Percent changes and averages based on numbers prior to rounding.
Note: Detail may not add to total due to rounding.
Table 12: By Low-Cost Carrier: Full-time Equivalent Employees,* December 2006-2010**
(FTEs for December of each year. Ranked by December 2010 FTEs)
| Rank | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | Percent Change** | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006-2010 | 2009-2010 | |||||||
| 1 | Southwest | 32,664 | 34,378 | 35,499 | 34,726 | 34,901 | 6.8 | 0.5 |
| 2 | JetBlue | 9,509 | 10,145 | 10,377 | 10,856 | 11,287 | 18.7 | 4.0 |
| 3 | AirTran | 7,415 | 8,236 | 7,489 | 7,844 | 7,992 | 7.8 | 1.9 |
| 4 | Frontier | 4,522 | 5,216 | 4,397 | 4,284 | 4,897 | 8.3 | 14.3 |
| 5 | Spirit | 2,041 | 2,201 | 2,263 | 1,920 | 2,198 | 7.7 | 14.5 |
| 6 | Virgin America*** | N/A | 735 | 1,259 | 1,421 | 1,770 | N/A | 24.6 |
| 7 | Allegiant | 846 | 1,180 | 1,348 | 1,565 | 1,609 | 90.2 | 2.8 |
| 8 | SkyBus*** | N/A | 381 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 9 | ATA**** | 2,454 | 2,319 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 10 | America West***** | 13,038 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Total | 72,489 | 64,791 | 62,632 | 62,616 | 64,654 | 10.3 | 3.3 | |
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics
* Full-time Equivalent Employee (FTE) calculations count two part-time employees as one full-time employee.
** The Percent Change 2006-2010 is based on the six carriers reporting in both years.
*** Virgin America and SkyBus began reporting employment data in August 2007. SkyBus stopped reporting employment data effective in April 2008 resulting from its bankruptcy filing.
**** ATA Airlines ceased operating on April 3, 2008 and stopped reporting employment data effective in March.
***** Beginning with October 2007, US Airways' numbers are combined with America West Airlines' numbers in the network category. For US Airways previous year numbers and for the combined number in the network category, see Table 9.
N/A: Carrier did not meet the standard for filing, was no longer operating, merged with another operating carrier or failed to file. See previous notes.
Note: Percent changes based on numbers prior to rounding.
Note: Detail may not add to total due to rounding.
Table 13: Regional Airlines - Year-to-Year Change in Full-time Equivalent Employees* from the Previous Year
Percent change compared to same month the previous year
| Month | 2007** | 2008*** | 2009 | 2010 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3.0 | 3.7 | -6.0 | -8.5 |
| February | 5.9 | 1.1 | -4.9 | -9.8 |
| March | 5.6 | 0.6 | -4.9 | -10.1 |
| April | 5.6 | 2.0 | -7.4 | -9.3 |
| May | 7.2 | 1.3 | -7.7 | -8.0 |
| June | 5.1 | 1.8 | -7.2 | -7.7 |
| July | 4.8 | 1.4 | -6.9 | -7.5 |
| August | 4.9 | 0.3 | -6.8 | -7.2 |
| September | 5.6 | -2.1 | -5.7 | -6.6 |
| October | 5.5 | -5.3 | -10.1 | 0.5 |
| November | 5.1 | -6.0 | -7.5 | -1.0 |
| December | 4.9 | -5.2 | -8.9 | -0.3 |
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics
* Full-time Equivalent Employee (FTE) calculations count two part-time employees as one full-time employee.
** Compass began reporting employment numbers in November 2007.
*** Lynx Airlines began reporting in February 2008. Colgan Airlines began reporting in April 2008. TransStates Airlines no longer met reporting requirements beginning in April 2008.
Note: Percent changes based on numbers prior to rounding.
Table 14: Regional Airlines Full-time Equivalent Employees* by Month
Numbers in thousands (000's)
| 2006 | 2007** | 2008*** | 2009 | 2010 | Percent Change | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006-2010 | 2009-2010 | ||||||
| January | 57.2 | 58.9 | 61.1 | 57.4 | 52.5 | -8.2 | -8.5 |
| February | 56.6 | 59.9 | 60.5 | 57.6 | 52.0 | -8.2 | -9.8 |
| March | 56.7 | 59.9 | 60.2 | 57.3 | 51.5 | -9.1 | -10.1 |
| April | 56.9 | 60.1 | 61.3 | 56.8 | 51.5 | -9.5 | -9.3 |
| May | 56.5 | 60.6 | 61.4 | 56.6 | 52.1 | -7.9 | -8.0 |
| June | 57.0 | 59.9 | 61.0 | 56.6 | 52.2 | -8.4 | -7.7 |
| July | 57.1 | 59.9 | 60.7 | 56.5 | 52.2 | -8.6 | -7.5 |
| August | 57.2 | 60.2 | 60.3 | 56.2 | 52.2 | -8.8 | -7.2 |
| September | 57.4 | 60.7 | 59.4 | 56.0 | 52.3 | -8.9 | -6.6 |
| October | 57.7 | 61.2 | 58.0 | 52.1 | 52.4 | -9.1 | 0.5 |
| November | 58.1 | 61.1 | 57.5 | 53.2 | 52.7 | -9.4 | -1.0 |
| December | 58.2 | 61.1 | 57.9 | 52.7 | 52.5 | -9.7 | -0.3 |
| 12-Month Average | 57.2 | 60.3 | 60.0 | 55.8 | 52.2 | -8.8 | -6.4 |
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics
* Full-time Equivalent Employee (FTE) calculations count two part-time employees as one full-time employee.
** Compass began reporting employment numbers in November 2007.
*** Lynx Airlines began reporting in February 2008. Colgan Airlines began reporting in April 2008. Trans States Airlines no longer met reporting requirements beginning in April 2008.
Note: Percent changes based on numbers prior to rounding.
Table 15: By Regional Airline: Full-time Equivalent Employees*, December 2006-2010
(FTEs for December of each year. Ranked by December 2010 FTEs)
| Rank | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | Percent Change** | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006-2010 | 2009-2010 | |||||||
| 1 | American Eagle | 9,269 | 9,679 | 9,220 | 8,996 | 9,487 | 2.4 | 5.5 |
| 2 | SkyWest | 8,791 | 10,249 | 8,986 | 8,692 | 9,068 | 3.2 | 4.3 |
| 3 | ExpressJet | 6,828 | 7,753 | 5,267 | 5,289 | 5,414 | -20.7 | 2.4 |
| 4 | Atlantic Southeast | 5,657 | 4,295 | 4,353 | 3,601 | 3,710 | -34.4 | 3.0 |
| 5 | Pinnacle | 3,288 | 3,283 | 3,622 | 3,316 | 3,441 | 4.7 | 3.8 |
| 6 | Horizon | 3,656 | 3,741 | 3,447 | 3,210 | 2,910 | -20.4 | -9.3 |
| 7 | Air Wisconsin | 2,314 | 2,179 | 2,660 | 2,510 | 2,510 | 8.5 | 0.0 |
| 8 | Comair | 6,126 | 6,349 | 5,533 | 2,594 | 2,448 | -60.0 | -5.6 |
| 9 | Mesaba | 2,555 | 2,926 | 3,763 | 2,244 | 2,164 | -15.3 | -3.6 |
| 10 | Republic*** | 670 | 1,324 | 1,418 | 2,674 | 2,105 | 214.2 | -21.3 |
| 11 | Mesa | 3,240 | 3,091 | 2,912 | 2,519 | 2,045 | -36.9 | -18.8 |
| 12 | Executive | 1,682 | 1,720 | 1,644 | 1,792 | 1,829 | 8.7 | 2.1 |
| 13 | Colgan | N/A | N/A | 1,277 | 1,235 | 1,511 | N/A | 22.3 |
| 14 | Shuttle America | 1,104 | 1,119 | 1,232 | 1,249 | 1,298 | 17.6 | 3.9 |
| 15 | PSA | 1,432 | 1,361 | 988 | 965 | 995 | -30.5 | 3.1 |
| 16 | Compass | N/A | 355 | 761 | 888 | 950 | N/A | 7.0 |
| 17 | GoJet | 312 | 363 | 445 | 560 | 554 | 77.6 | -1.1 |
| 18 | Lynx | N/A | N/A | 359 | 399 | 115 | N/A | -71.2 |
| 19 | Trans States**** | 1,278 | 1,293 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Total | 58,202 | 61,080 | 57,884 | 52,730 | 52,549 | -12.0 | -0.3 | |
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics
* Full-time Equivalent Employee (FTE) calculations count two part-time employees as one full-time employee.
** The Percent Change 2006-2010 is based on the 12 carriers reporting in both years.
*** Effective with October 2009 reporting, Republic Airlines' employment numbers include FTE's from Midwest Airlines. Midwest employment data were formerly included in the "Other Airlines" category.
**** Effective with April 2008 reporting, Trans States Airlines no longer met the reporting requirements for filing monthly airline employment data.
N/A: Not applicable because carriers did not meet the standard for filing.
Note: Detail may not add to total due to rounding.