ATA Report details declines in passenger demand, cargo.
Press Release Summary:
Air Transport Association of America (ATA) reported, based on sample group of carriers, that passenger revenue fell 21% in August of 2009 versus same month in 2008. This marks tenth consecutive month passenger revenue has declined from prior year. Statistics noted that 6% fewer passengers traveled on US airlines in August, while average price to fly one mile fell 17%. Also, US airlines saw cargo revenue ton miles decline 13% year over year in July 2009.
Original Press Release:
Air Transport Association Reports Decline in August Passenger Demand, July Cargo
Decline in Travelers Continues, Despite Double-Digit Fare Reductions
WASHINGTON, Sept. 21, 2009 - The Air Transport Association of America (ATA), the industry trade organization for the leading U.S. airlines, today reported that passenger revenue, based on a sample group of carriers,[1] fell 21 percent in August 2009 versus the same month in 2008 - the 10th consecutive month in which passenger revenue has declined from the prior year.
Six percent fewer passengers traveled on U.S. airlines[1] in August while the average price to fly one mile fell 17 percent, a slight improvement over the 18 percent year-over-year yield decline observed in July. Revenue declines extended beyond the domestic United States to the trans-Atlantic, trans-Pacific and Latin markets.
"The industry continues to see a reduction in the number of air travelers, despite double-digit declines in fares. While there are signs that improvement may be on the horizon, regrettably the demand for air travel remains weak," said ATA President and CEO James C. May.
Also reflecting a weak global economy is the continued decline in cargo traffic. U.S. airlines[2] saw cargo revenue ton miles decline 13 percent year over year (11 percent domestically and 15 percent internationally) in July 2009, the 12th consecutive month of declining volumes. August 2009 cargo data is not yet available.
Annually, commercial aviation helps drive $1.1 trillion in U.S. economic activity and more than 10 million U.S. jobs. On a daily basis, U.S. airlines operate nearly 28,000 flights in 80 countries, using more than 6,000 aircraft to carry an average of two million passengers and 50,000 tons of cargo.
ATA airline members and their affiliates transport more than 90 percent of all U.S. airline passenger and cargo traffic. For additional industry information, visit www.airlines.org.
[1] Based on data reported to ATA by Alaska, American, Continental (incl. Micronesia), Delta (incl. NWA), JetBlue, United and US Airways; also includes 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.
[2] Based on data reported to ATA by Aloha, Alaska, American, Continental, Delta (incl. NWA), FedEx, Hawaiian, JetBlue, Midwest, Southwest, United, UPS and US Airways.
