GOL reports net profit for FY2009; Southwest and American lead passenger numbers for 2009
- US airlines experienced a decline in passenger numbers in 2009, reaching the lowest level since 2004.
- Southwest Airlines remained the leading carrier in terms of total system passengers and domestic passengers in 2009.
- American Airlines maintained its position as the top carrier for international passengers in 2009.
- Hawaiian Airlines is not expected to be significantly affected by Allegiant's potential new service to Hawaii.
- GOL reported a net profit for the fiscal year 2009, a significant improvement compared to the previous year.
- Other news includes Alaska Airlines inaugurating Hawaii service, American Airlines expanding mobile boarding passes, and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters filing a preliminary injunction against Republic Airways.
The Dow (+0.4%) was boosted by bullish comments from Citigroup CEO, Vikram Pandit, in which he stated he expects the bank's return on assets in its core businesses will rise this year. Oil prices were meanwhile flat.
US traffic in 2009 at lowest level since 2004; Southwest and American lead passenger numbers
The US Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) reported the number of scheduled domestic and international passengers on US airlines in FY2009 declined by 5.3% year-on-year, dropping to 703.9 million, the lowest annual total since 2004. However, the full-year system load factor of 80.4% and the domestic load factor of 81.1% were record annual highs. US airlines carried 5.2% fewer domestic passengers and 6.3% fewer international passengers.
Southwest Airlines (-0.2%) carried more total system passengers in 2009 than any other US airline for the third consecutive year. Southwest also carried more domestic passengers in 2009 than any other US airline for the sixth consecutive year. American Airlines (+1.9%) carried more international passengers in 2009 than any other US carrier for the 20th consecutive year.
Hawaiian Airlines not to be affected by Allegiant services
Hawaiiian Airlines (+0.5%) was also up marginally after Helane Becker at Jesup & Lamont reiterated the carrier's 'Buy' rating. The group estimates 1Q2010 earnings per share (EPS) of USD0.02 vs USD0.46.
Jesup & Lamont added Alegiant's (-0.3%) potential new service to Hawaii would not compete with Hawaiian's service primarily, as it does not expect Allegiant to have the scale or scope of service that Hawaiian has.
GOL reports net profit for FY2009
In Brazil, GOL (+0.9%) gained slightly after reported a net profit of USD504.6 million for the 12 months ended 31-Dec-2009, compared to losses of USD702 million in the previous corresponding period. Operating profit was also up, to USD234.1 million, compared to an operating loss of USD50.2 million in the previous corresponding period. GOL stated it now expects yields of USD11.05-11.89 cents for 2010.
Also in today's America Airline Daily:
- Alaska Airlines inaugurates Hawaii service from San Jose and increases Austin frequency;
- American Airlines expands mobile boarding passes to 19 additional airports;
- International Brotherhood of Teamsters files preliminary injunction against Republic Airways;
- FAA ordered to pay air carrier more than USD121,000 for attorney fees and expenses;
- Porter Airlines expands Boston service to 5 daily roundtrips.
North & South America selected airlines daily share price movements (% change): 11-Mar-2010
Source: Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation & Yahoo! Finance