US Airways revenue down 4.9%, profits mixed in 4Q2009

US Airways Group revenue down 4.9% - consolidated financial/traffic highlights:

• Three months ended 31-Dec-2009:
  • Total operating revenue: USD2,626 million, -4.9% year-on-year;
  • Total operating cost: USD2,612 million, -16.8%;
    • Labour: USD512 million, -3.4%;
    • Aircraft fuel: USD511 million, -14.8%;
  • Operating profit (loss): USD14 million, compared to a loss of USD378 million in the previous corresponding period;
  • Net profit (loss): (USD79 million), compared to a loss of USD543 million in the previous corresponding period;
  • Passenger numbers: 18.8 million, -1.8%;
  • Passenger load factor: 78.6%, stable;
  • Yield: USD 14.56 cents, -4.8%;
  • Total revenue per ASM: USD 13.02 cents, -3.1%;
  • Passenger revenue per ASM: USD 11.44 cents, -4.7%;
  • Operating cost per ASM: USD 12.95 cents, -15.2%;
• 12 months ended 31-Dec-2009:
  • Total operating revenue: USD10,458 million, -13.7%;
  • Total operating cost: USD10,340 million, -25.7%;
    • Labour: USD2,165 million, -3.0%;
    • Aircraft fuel: USD1,863 million, -48.5%;
  • Operating profit (loss): USD118 million, compared to a loss of USD1,800 million in the previous corresponding period;
  • Net profit (loss): (USD205 million), compared to a loss of USD2,215 million in the previous corresponding period;
  • Passenger numbers: 78.0 million, -4.4%;
  • Passenger load factor: 80.5%, +0.3 pt;
  • Yield: USD 13.52 cents, -12.7%;
  • Total revenue per ASM: USD 12.29 cents, -9.6%;
  • Passenger revenue per ASM: USD 10.88 cents, -12.4%;
  • Operating cost per ASM: USD 12.15 cents, -22.2%. [more] [more - SEC Filing]

US Airways: "Our fourth quarter and full year results reflect the extremely difficult environment the industry experienced in 2009. Given that environment, we are particularly pleased with the significant improvement in financial performance versus 2008. The actions we have put in place to address the challenges of the past two years - capacity cuts, a la carte revenues, cost control and a commitment to efficient operating reliability - are working. We enter 2010 with encouraging momentum and well positioned to take advantage of the improving economic environment," Doug Parker, CEO. Source: US Airways, 28-Jan-2010.

US Airways: "Total operating expenses in the fourth quarter were down 16.8% over the same period last year due principally to a 14.6% decrease in mainline and Express fuel expense. Mainline CASM in the fourth quarter was USD 11.82 cents, down 19.2% versus the same period last year. Excluding fuel and special items, mainline CASM was 8.56 cents, up 0.8% from the same period last year, on a 1.8% decline in mainline ASM," Company statement. Source: US Airways, 28-Jan-2010.