US Airways Group, Inc. (US Airways) (Phoenix) today reported its third quarter 2012 financial results. For the third quarter 2012, the Company reported a net profit excluding special items of $192 million, or $0.98 per diluted share, the second highest third quarter profit excluding special items in Company history. This compares to $95 million, or $0.51 per diluted share in the Company’s third quarter 2011. On a GAAP basis, the Company reported a record net profit of $245 million for its third quarter 2012, or $1.24 per diluted share, compared to a net profit of $76 million, or $0.41 per diluted share, for the same period in 2011.

Revenue and Cost Comparisons

Strong passenger demand and record consolidated third quarter yields led to improved revenue performance. Total revenues in the third quarter were a record $3.5 billion, up 2.8 percent versus the third quarter 2011 on a 2.7 percent increase in total available seat miles (ASMs). Total revenue per ASM was a record 15.22 cents, up 0.1 percent versus the same period last year, driven by a 0.6 percent increase in passenger yields.

Total operating expenses in the third quarter were $3.3 billion, up 0.3 percent over the same period last year. Mainline cost per available seat mile (CASM) was 12.70 cents, down 1.8 percent on a 2.8 percent increase in mainline ASMs. Total average fuel price per gallon fell 2.4 percent versus last year to $3.07 per gallon. Excluding special charges, fuel, and profit sharing mainline CASM was 7.95 cents, down 1.4 percent versus the same period last year. Express CASM excluding special charges and fuel was 13.97 cents, down 4.5 percent on a 2.4 percent increase in Express ASMs.

Liquidity

As of September 30, 2012, the Company had $2.8 billion in total cash and investments, of which $347 million was restricted. That is up from $2.4 billion, of which $384 million was restricted, on September 30, 2011.

Special Items

The Company recognized $14 million of net operating special charges in the third quarter of 2012, primarily consisting of charges related to corporate transaction and auction rate securities arbitration costs. In addition, the Company recorded $67 million of net nonoperating special credits which included a $69 million gain related to the slot transaction with Delta Air Lines, Inc.

Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum. Former America West Airlines’ Airbus A320-231 N631AW (msn 077) is now operating as US Airways taxies to the gate at Seattle/Tacoma International Airport. US Airways is still two airlines – East and West, with separate aircraft and crews for both divisions.

US Airways: