Consolidated United-Continental passenger volume down 1.1pc

THE combined consolidated revenue passenger miles of United and Continental airlines in February decreased 1.1 per cent over February 2010 on a consolidated capacity increase of 1.8 per cent.


Combined load factors were down 2.3 points compared to February 2010, reported parent United Continental Holdings.


The two airlines' February 2011 consolidated passenger revenue per available seat mile (PRASM) increased about 10.5 to 11.5 per cent compared to February 2010, while mainline PRASM increased 11 - 12 per cent compared to the same period last year.


Due to fuel price hikes, the airlines will reduce consolidated capacity from its previous 2011 projections by one per cent by its May schedule, and four per cent by its September schedule. It will manage this by reducing flight frequencies, indefinitely postponing the start of flights to certain markets and stopping less profitable routes.


It expects its full-year 2011 consolidated capacity to be roughly flat year on year, down from its prior forecast of up one to two per cent.
(Source:http://www.schednet.com)