The Air Transport Association of America (ATA) says September passenger revenue - based on a sample group of carriers - fell 19 per cent compared to the same month in 2008. This marks the 11th consecutive month in which passenger revenue has declined from the prior year, fueled primarily by the 10th consecutive month of ticket price declines.
Just two per cent fewer passengers travelled on US airlines in September, in contrast to the five per cent decline in August. The average price to fly one mile fell 18 per cent, slightly more than the 17 per cent year-over-year decline in August. Passenger revenue declines extended beyond the domestic United States to the transatlantic, trans-Pacific and Latin markets.
“The demand for air travel remains weak, as evidenced by the untenable pricing environment. While other sectors may be seeing signs that the economy is getting back on track, the airline industry has faced challenges in its effort to generate revenue,” said ATA president and chief executive James May.
Also reflecting a weak global economy is the continued decline in cargo traffic.
US airlines saw cargo revenue ton miles decline 12 per cent year over year (11 per cent domestically and 12 per cent internationally) in August 2009, the 13th consecutive month of declining volumes. September 2009 cargo data is not yet available.
Aircargo Asia Pacific
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