WASHINGTON, 2 Sept. 2012. The largest U.S. airlines continue to deliver record operational performance despite economic challenges and rising costs that led to a $1 billion loss for the first half of 2012, report analysts at Airlines for America (A4A), the airline industry trade association in Washington.
Government data shows that average round-trip domestic air fares fell 16 percent from 2000 through 2011, adjusted for inflation, A4A analysts say. During the same period, the inflation rate increased more than 30 percent and the average tax burden per domestic round-trip journey rose 42 percent.
“Air travel remains the most efficient and one of the least expensive ways to travel,” says Nicholas Calio, president and CEO of A4A (formerly the Air Transport Association).
U.S. airlines in June delivered an improved on-time performance for the ninth consecutive month and the best-ever June baggage-handling results, A4A officials say.
Airlines continue to post on-time arrival rates greater than 80 percent. Gradually improving airline finances are driving job growth and an increased contribution to the economy. The U.S. Department of Transportation reports 18 consecutive months of job growth at the U.S. airlines. Analysts, meanwhile, predict that airlines will spend more than $5 billion this year on new aircraft and engines.
For more information contact A4A online at www.airlines.org.
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