United Airlines reports August 2016 operational performance

CHICAGO, IL – United Airlines (UAL) today reported August 2016 operational results.

UAL’s August 2016 consolidated traffic (revenue passenger miles) increased 0.6 percent and consolidated capacity (available seat miles) increased 1.9 percent versus August 2015. UAL’s August 2016 consolidated load factor decreased 1.1 points compared to August 2015.

The company continues to expect third-quarter 2016 consolidated passenger unit revenue per available seat mile (PRASM) to decline 5.5 to 7.5 percent compared to the third quarter of 2015. The year-over-year performance is primarily impacted by demand growth not keeping pace with capacity growth, soft close-in yields, competitive actions and travel reductions in the energy sector.

On Aug. 12, 2016, UAL flight attendants ratified a new contract. While there is a modest increase to third-quarter non-fuel expense from this contract, the company still expects it will be within its original third-quarter guidance for consolidated unit cost per available seat mile (CASM) excluding fuel, profit sharing and third-party business expenses.

For the full-year 2016, the company now expects CASM excluding fuel, profit sharing and third-party business expenses to increase 2.5 to 3.5 percent compared to the full-year 2015, with the increase versus prior guidance due to the flight attendant agreement.