United Airlines (UAL) today reported March 2016 operational results.
UAL’s March 2016 consolidated traffic (revenue passenger miles) decreased 1.5 percent and consolidated capacity (available seat miles) decreased 0.1 percent versus March 2015. UAL’s March 2016 consolidated load factor decreased 1.1 points compared to March 2015.
The company now expects first-quarter 2016 consolidated passenger unit revenue to decline 7.25 to 7.75 percent compared to the first quarter of 2015. The year-over-year performance was primarily impacted by a strong U.S. dollar, lower surcharges, travel reductions from energy dependent corporate customers and a softening in domestic yields. In addition, the company experienced a larger than anticipated decrease in close-in business travel during the weeks surrounding the Easter holiday and spring break.
