United Airlines forecasts 4Q2009 unit revenue to fall by 6.25% to 7.25% year-on-year

United Airlines forecasts 4Q2009 unit revenue to fall by 6.25% to 7.25% year-on-year (AP, 17-Dec-2009). Unit costs are expected to fall by 7.9% to 8.2%, (excluding profit sharing and some hedging impacts). Mainline unit costs excluding fuel are expected to rise by 1% to 1.5% year-on-year. The airline is reducing capacity in the quarter by 3.3% and expects demand to be flat. The carrier expects to end the quarter with USD3 billion in unrestricted cash, up approximately USD500 million from 30-Sep-2009, and excluding USD250 million from financings completed in 4Q2009.