09-May-2011 3:25 PM
Southwest and United Continental reports PRASM increases in April
Analysis
United Continental Holdings reported a 2.3% decline in passenger numbers to 11.7 million in Apr-2011, while Southwest reported a 0.4% increase, to 7.5 million.
United Continental's RPMs and load factors were as follows:
- Passenger traffic (RPMs): +1.1%;
- North America: -2.5%;
- International: +6.7%;
- Atlantic: +18.3%;
- Pacific: -8.4%;
- Latin America: +11.3%;
- Passenger load factor: 80.3%, -1.7 ppts;
- North America: 84.7%, -0.6 ppt;
- International: 77%, -2.5 ppts;
- Atlantic: 78.3%, -1.8 ppts;
- Pacific: 75.4%, -3.8 ppts;
- Latin America: 76.6%, -2.6 ppts.
United Continental stated its combined consolidated passenger revenue per available seat mile (PRASM) increased an estimated 8.0 to 9.0% compared with Apr-2010. Its shares fell 0.5% yesterday.
Southwest Airlines estimates its PRASM rose 4-5% last month. The LCC reported the following traffic highlights in Apr-2011:
- Revenue passenger numbers: 7.5 million, +0.4% year-on-year;
- Enplaned passengers: 9.2 million, +3.5%;
- Passenger load factor: 79.7%, +0.9 ppt;
- Number of flights: 96,683, +3.2%.
Southwest's shares gained 1.7%.
Selected American airlines daily share price movements (% change): 06-May-2011