Air Canada doubles California capacity; Copa Holdings reports improved load factor, GOL up

US Airways and United Airlines rise on merger reports

US Airways (+10.7%) and United Airlines (+6.8%) shares soared as reports of the merger talks continued to spread. The two reportedly commenced merger negotiations over a month ago, with issues such as deal structure and management to be discussed in coming weeks.

In response to the reports, analyst comments were mixed. Morgan Stanley's William Greene stated the potential merger "may be less attractive in practice than on paper" and may have to overcome more regulatory hurdles than the Delta-Northwest merger.

UBS analyst, Kevin Crissey, commented that the merger would reduce capacity by up to 3%, mainly in the US, leading to an increase in fares.

Barclays Capital analyst, Gary Chase, meanwhile stated the reported merger plans are "compelling", but warned that speculation about consolidation is "far more common in the industry than actual consolidation".

JP Morgan analyst, Jamie Baker, stated the group has long seen the merger as "the most logical and feasible among potential legacy combinations", as the merits of the potential deal are "considerable". Mr Baker stated the deal would be less about improved revenue and integration synergies and more about cost savings.

Air Canada doubles California capacity

At a time when carriers are showing capacity discipline, Air Canada (-4.4%) said it is increasing is seasonal Summer service by offering service between Toronto and Orange County in California by 50%. It said the new route was part of a major Toronto-California capacity increase this Summer that also includes a new route to San Diego, more service to San Francisco and the introduction of a B767-300ER aircraft on selected Los Angeles flights.

"Air Canada is solidifying its position as the airline offering the most frequencies and capacity between Toronto and California," said Executive VP and CCO Ben Smith. "As a tourist, business and entertainment hotspot, Toronto has a natural affinity with California and that is why we are increasing capacity 51% over last year and operating 77 weekly flights between Toronto and California this Summer."

The new service to Orange County began yesterday to John Wayne International Airport. The daily, year-round service will operate with a 120-seat Airbus A319.

Beginning 01-Jun-2010, Air Canada will increase service to Los Angeles by introducing a B767-300ER aircraft on its 9am flight, the first of four flights of the day on the route. Also on 01-Jun-2010, Air Canada will add a fifth daily frequency between Toronto and San Francisco using an Airbus A319. Air Canada will commence service between Toronto and San Diego from 17-Jun-2010.

Copa Holdings reports improved load factor

Copa Holdings (-0.6%) was also down, despite reporting a 13.5% year-on-year increase in passenger traffic (RPMs) in Mar-2010, on a 3.2% increase in capacity (ASMs). Load factor was also up, rising 7.0 ppts for the month, to 77.7%.

GOL states yields in line with outlook

GOL (+3.2%) gained after passenger traffic rose 36.8% for Mar-2010, on a 16.1% increase in capacity. Load factor was up 9.8 ppts, to 64.7%.

The LCC stated yields averaged above BRL 20 cents, continuing the gradual increase since the "extremely competitive scenario" in the middle of Oct-2009. Consequently, current yield levels are in line with its financial outlook.

Also featured in today's issue of America Airline Daily:

• Air New Zealand and Continental Airlines launch codeshare agreement;
• Delta Air Lines accelerates employee pension funding;
• US airlines on-time performance rate reach 74.6%;
• Aero Republica to launch a new business class services;
• Gol plans to add three new aircraft to its fleet in 2010.

North & South America selected airlines daily share price movements (% change): 08-Apr-2010

Source: Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation & Yahoo! Finance