Passenger revenue on U.S. airlines increased 12 percent in April 2011 compared to the same month in 2010, marking the 16th consecutive month of revenue growth, according to the Air Transport Association of America (ATA).
The revenue data is based on a sample group of U.S. carriers.
“Growth in air travel spending at the start of the second quarter bodes well for U.S. economic recovery. ATA forecasts 1.5 percent more passengers will fly during the summer months and is optimistic that strong international demand will help offset volatile fuel costs,” ATA Vice President and Chief Economist John Heimlich said in a news release.
Systemwide passenger traffic, as measured by miles flown by paying passengers,(3) rose 3 percent while the average price to fly one mile, also known as yield, rose 9 percent for the month.