A4A projects 2013 Thanksgiving pax, reports improving financial performance, and proposes NAP

Airlines for America (A4A) released (07-Nov-2013) its 2013 Thanksgiving Travel Forecast, projecting that 25 million passengers will fly between 22-Nov-2013 and 03-Dec-2013, an increase of 1.5% from 2012. A4A reported improving year-over-year financial performance for the 10 largest US carriers, with modest profitability helping enable reinvestment in their product and the overall customer experience. During the first nine months of 2013, the 10 largest US carriers reported net earnings of USD4.5 billion, resulting in a net profit margin of 4% - up from 0.3% in 2012. Fuel accounted for 35% of overall operating expenses. A4A also proposed a National Airline Policy (NAP) that includes key pillars to enhance the customer experience by reducing delays and rationalising the federal tax burden, which increases the cost of airfares. [more - original PR]