United Continental Holdings, Inc. last week reported October 2010 and year-to-date 2010 operational results for United Air Lines, Inc. and Continental Airlines, Inc.
The two airlines claimed that on a combined basis, United and Continentalโs consolidated traffic (revenue passenger miles) in October 2010 increased 5.9 percent versus October 2009 on a consolidated capacity increase of 5.0 percent. The carriersโ combined consolidated load factor increased 0.7 points compared to the same period last year.
In a report released last week, the airlines said October 2010 passenger revenue per available seat mile (RASM) estimates for United and Continental are presented based on historical income statement revenue classifications.
For October 2010, Unitedโs consolidated RASM increased an estimated 13.0 to 14.0 percent compared to October 2009, while Unitedโs mainline RASM increased an estimated 14.0 to 15.0 percent compared to the same period last year.
Continentalโs October consolidated RASM increased an estimated 15.5 to 16.5 percent compared to October 2009, while Continentalโs mainline RASM increased an estimated 17.0 to 18.0 percent compared to the same period last year.
In December, United Continental Holdings, Inc. said it will report United and Continentalโs November 2010 RASM estimate on a combined basis using an aligned presentation for passenger revenue based on final income statement classifications.