American Airlines Group today reported March 2014 and year-to-date traffic results.
American Airlines Group’s total revenue passenger miles (RPMs) for the month were 18.5 billion, up 0.9 percent versus March 2013. Total capacity was 22.6 billion available seat miles (ASMs), up 2.9 percent versus March 2013. Total passenger load factor was 81.8 percent for the month of March, down 1.6 points versus March 2013.
As previously disclosed, the company’s operations were significantly impacted by severe weather at its hubs in Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. In total, the company canceled more than 34,000 flights in the first quarter. The company estimates these weather-related cancellations reduced first quarter revenue by approximately $115 million and reduced first quarter operating profit by approximately $60 million. The company now expects its first quarter operating margin to be approximately 5 percent to 7 percent.
The company expects first quarter 2014 PRASM to be up approximately 2.5 percent to 3.5 percent versus the same period last year.
