Figure 4: Average Operating Profit/Loss Among Low Cost Carriers (2010 dollars) - 1991 to Q4 2010

(Data are yearly from 1991-1999 and quarterly from Q1 2000, adjusted for inflation)

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NOTE: Legacy carriers include American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and US Airways. TWA, Northwest, and America West are included as these carriers merged with American Airlines, Delta, and US Airways respectively. From 1991-1999, fuel price is the average for all major, national, and large regional airlines. From Q1 2000, fuel price is the average of all fuel used for scheduled and nonscheduled domestic and international flights for the selected carriers shown in each graph. Average fuel cost per gallon adjusted for inflation using the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for fuel oil and other fuels, base year 2010 = 275.132. Profit/loss adjusted for inflation using the CPI for all urban consumers, base year 2010 = 218.056.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Transportation, Research and Innovative Technology Administration, Bureau of Transportation Statistics, Form 41 Financial Data Schedule P1.2 (profit/loss data); Form 41 Financial Data Schedule P12a (fuel data); and Form 41 Traffic Data T2 (ASM) as of July 6, 2011.