The new American Airlines Group, formed when American merged last year with US Airways, reported earnings for the first time this morning and told investors the two airlines made a combined $1.95 billion excluding special items and one-time chargers in 2013.

However, factoring in bankruptcy charges and the fact that the two carriers only merged officially on Dec. 9, the numbers are a little less rosy.

For the fourth quarter 2013, AAG reported a GAAP (generally accepted accounting principles) net loss of $2.0 billion, which includes $2.4 billion of net special charges. This compares to a net profit of $262 million, which includes $350 million of net special credits, in the fourth quarter 2012. AAG's GAAP financial results include the results for US Airways only for the period from the completion of the merger on Dec. 9, 2013 through Dec. 31, 2013.

For full year 2013, GAAP net loss was $1.8 billion, which includes $3.1 billion of net special charges. This compares to a full year 2012 net loss of $1.9 billion, which includes $1.7 billion of net special charges.

The company ended the year with $10.3 billion in total cash and investments. Since the merger, the company has used more than $300 million of cash to reduce its diluted shares outstanding by approximately 14 million.

"The early returns on our merger are very positive," Doug Parker, CEO of American Airlines Group Inc., said in a statement. "Our teams are working well together and our customers are already beginning to see the benefits of our combined network. We have much work ahead, but believe we are on our way to restoring American as the greatest airline in the world. These financial results are evidence of the strong foundation we have in place and we anticipate improving upon these results as we further integrate our operations in 2014."

Eastern Air Lines is Re-Forming ... Sort Of

Eastern Air Lines Group, Inc. has filed an application with the United States Department of Transportation for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity.  Eastern plans on commencing its Part 121 certification with the Federal Aviation Administration shortly and has retained legal counsel and consultants for this purpose.

In English? Eastern Air Lines is reforming, but it is not that Eastern Air Lines.

Eastern Air Lines Group, Inc. is not affiliated with the former Eastern Air Lines, which operated from 1928 to 1991 as one of the largest U.S. domestic air carriers. Eastern Air Lines Group, Inc. was formed to re-launch Eastern Air Lines as a passenger airline using the Airbus A320 aircraft from its main base of operations at Miami International Airport.

"We are honored to have the opportunity to launch an airline bearing the iconic Eastern Air Lines name," Eastern's President and CEO Edward Wegel said in a release. "We have recruited a world class board of directors and a highly experienced management team to guide and lead this effort."

United Unveils New Amenities For Top Customers at Newark Liberty

United Airlines has opened a new Global Services reception lobby for its top frequent flyers at the airline's New York hub at Newark Liberty International Airport, offering personalized check-in and travel services to members of United's invitation-only Global Services program, and to customers traveling on long-haul international flights in United Global First.

Customers will access the new lobby via the Premier Access entry located at Door 4 of the Terminal C mid-level departures area. Adjacent to the C-2 security check-point, the reception area features four full-service check-in positions staffed by Global Services representatives wearing easily identifiable uniforms – gray suiting with gold ties or scarves.

The reception area provides direct access to four newly constructed security lanes, which can be used either as TSA PreCheck lanes or standard lanes for customers who are not PreCheck-eligible, depending on demand. Customers using these lanes will have convenient access to the United Club in concourse C-3.

The decor of the new space closely mirrors the new United Club design concept that United introduced last year.

"United's new Global Services reception area at our New York hub will enable us to provide the high level of service our most loyal customers expect, while the expanded number of security lanes will expedite screening for all customers," Jimmy Samartzis, United's vice president of customer experience, said in a statement. "This project is the latest step in our continued efforts to offer a more flyer-friendly premium travel experience for United customers."

The airline also announced it will expand its tarmac transportation service, currently offered in Chicago and Houston, to Newark Liberty beginning today. United will offer the chauffeur service, using Mercedes-Benz GL-Class vehicles, to some Global Services members and United Global First customers who are connecting at Newark to a domestic or international flight.

Where feasible, representatives will meet Global Services and United Global First customers with applicable itineraries who may have tight connections and will drive them across the tarmac to their connecting flights.

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