The Air Transport Association of America (ATA) reported that passenger revenue, based on a sample group of carriers, fell 15 percent in October 2009 versus the same month in 2008. This marks the 12th consecutive month in which passenger revenue has declined from the prior year, fueled primarily by the 11th consecutive month of ticket price declines. Three percent fewer passengers traveled on U.S. airlines in October, while the average price to fly one mile fell 13.5 percent.

Passenger revenue decreases extended beyond the domestic United States, particularly in trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific markets. Also reflecting a weak global economy is the continued decline in cargo traffic. U.S. airlines saw cargo revenue ton miles decline 3 percent year over year in September (2 percent domestically and 4 percent internationally) in September 2009, the 14th consecutive month of declining volumes. October 2009 cargo data is not yet available.

The numbers are based on data reported to ATA by Alaska, American, Continental (including Micronesia), Delta (including NWA), JetBlue, United and US Airways. It also includes data for Air Midwest, Air Wisconsin, Allegheny, American Eagle, Atlantic Coast, Atlantic Southeast, Chautauqua, Comair, Continental Express, Executive, Freedom, Horizon, Mesa, Mesaba, MidAtlantic, Piedmont, Pinnacle, PSA, Shuttle America, SkyWest and Trans States. For more information, visit www.airlines.org.
 

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