ATA reports tenth consecutive month of revenue growth

The Air Transport Association of America (ATA), the industry trade organization for the leading U.S. airlines, today reported that passenger revenue,1 based on a sample group of carriers,2 rose 18 percent in October 2010 compared to the same month in 2009, marking the tenth consecutive month of revenue growth. Miles flown by paying passengers3 rose more than 7 percent while the average price to fly one mile rose 10 percent. Passenger revenue1 improved 12.5 percent domestically and 31 percent in international markets.

"These results highlight the importance of international markets to air travelers and shippers, as the global economy drives up transportation spending to and from the United States," said ATA President and CEO James C. May. "The industry remains hopeful that the nation's economic recovery will continue in the months ahead."

A sample of U.S. airlines4 saw cargo traffic, as measured in cargo revenue ton miles, rise 8 percent year over year (1 percent domestically and 13 percent internationally) in September 2010. October 2010 cargo data is not yet available.

[1] As defined by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, "revenues from the air transportation of passengers" in scheduled air service, not including amounts paid to change tickets, transport baggage or perform other types of ancillary services.

[2] Based on data reported to ATA by Alaska, American, Continental, Delta, JetBlue, United and US Airways, including data for Air Midwest, Air Wisconsin, Allegheny, American Eagle, Atlantic Coast, Atlantic Southeast, Chautauqua, Comair, Continental Express, Executive, Freedom, Horizon, Mesa, Mesaba, MidAtlantic, Piedmont, Pinnacle, PSA, Shuttle America, SkyWest and Trans States. Data for all reporting U.S. airlines is available on a time-lagged basis from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (www.bts.gov).

[3] Previously, ATA monthly press releases cited the number of passengers; to align more closely with the per-mile price statistics, ATA is now reporting traffic on a total mileage basis.

[4] Based on data reported to ATA by Alaska, American, Continental, Delta, FedEx, Hawaiian, JetBlue, Southwest, United, UPS and US Airways. Data for all reporting U.S. airlines is available on a time-lagged basis from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (www.bts.gov).