Airline Revenues Down 21 Percent in July

The Air Transport Association of America (ATA) reported that passenger revenue based on a sample group of carriers fell by 21 percent in July 2009 versus the same month in 2008 –the ninth consecutive month in which passenger revenue has fallen from the prior year.

Four percent fewer passengers traveled on U.S. airlines in July while the average price to fly one mile fell 18 percent, a modest improvement over the 21 percent year-over-year yield decline observed in June. Revenue declines extended beyond the mainland United States to the trans-Atlantic, trans-Pacific and Latin markets.

Also reflecting a weak global economy is the continued decline in cargo traffic. U.S. airlines saw cargo revenue ton miles –as measured in revenue ton miles- decline 15 percent year over year (11 percent domestically and 18 percent internationally) in June 2009, the 11th consecutive month of declining volumes. July 2009 cargo data is not yet available.