Tag Archives: US Airways Group

American Airlines Group reports a record third quarter net profit of $1.2 billion

American Airlines Group Inc. (American Airlines and US Airways) (Dallas/Fort Worth) today reported its third quarter 2014 results.

Third quarter 2014 net profit, excluding net special charges, was a record $1.2 billion, up 59 percent versus the third quarter 2013

Third quarter 2014 GAAP net profit was $942 million, a record for any quarter in the history of American Airlines

Returned $185 million to shareholders through the payment of $72 million in quarterly dividends and the repurchase of $113 million of common stock through the Company’s stock repurchase program

Declared a dividend of $0.10 per share to be paid on November 17, 2014 to shareholders of record as of November 3, 2014

For the third quarter 2014, American Airlines Group reported a record GAAP net profit of $942 million. This compares to a GAAP net profit of $289 million in the third quarter 2013 for AMR Corporation prior to the merger.

The Company believes it is more meaningful to compare year-over-year results for American Airlines and US Airways excluding special charges and on a combined basis, which is a non-GAAP formulation that combines the results for AMR Corporation and US Airways Group. On this basis, third quarter 2014 net profit excluding net special charges was a record $1.2 billion, or $1.66 per diluted share. This represents a 59 percent improvement over the combined non-GAAP net profit of $771 million excluding net special charges for the same period in 2013. The Company’s third quarter 2014 pretax margin excluding net special charges was 11 percent. See the accompanying notes in the Financial Tables section of this press release for further explanation of this presentation, including a reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial information.

“We are very pleased to have reported a record profit for each quarter so far in 2014,” said Chairman and CEO Doug Parker. “We anticipate we will also post a record profit for both the fourth quarter and full year 2014. This performance reflects the strength of our merger and the commitment of our team. Our over 100,000 team members are doing an excellent job of integrating our airlines and providing outstanding service to our customers. While some of the biggest tasks in our integration still lie before us, the significant accomplishments to date reinforce our confidence that we are well on our way to restoring American as the world’s greatest airline. Thanks to our team, American is in excellent position for success in 2015 and beyond.”

Revenue and Cost Comparisons

Total revenues in the third quarter were a record $11.1 billion, an increase of 4.4 percent versus the third quarter 2013 on a combined basis, on a 2.0 percent increase in total available seat miles (ASMs). Consolidated passenger revenue per ASM (PRASM) was a record at 14.12 cents, up 1.0 percent versus the third quarter 2013 on a combined basis, driven by a record yield of 16.93 cents, up 2.6 percent year-over-year.

Total operating expenses in the third quarter were $9.9 billion, an increase of 3.5 percent over combined third quarter 2013. Third quarter mainline cost per available seat mile (CASM) was 13.28 cents, up 1.3 percent on a 2.1 percent increase in mainline ASMs versus combined third quarter 2013. Excluding special charges and fuel, mainline CASM was up 0.7 percent compared to the combined third quarter 2013, at 8.35 cents. Regional CASM excluding special charges and fuel was 15.52 cents, up 3.7 percent on a 1.0 percent increase in regional ASMs versus combined third quarter 2013.

Liquidity and Financing Transactions

At September 30, 2014, American had approximately $8.8 billion in total cash and short-term investments, of which $875 million was restricted. The Company also had an undrawn revolving credit facility of $1.0 billion.

During the third quarter, the Company Issued $957 million principal amount of 2014-1 Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates (EETC) at a blended interest rate of 3.8 percent and issued $750 million principal amount of 5.5 percent senior unsecured notes due in 2019.

Also in the third quarter, the Company returned $185 million to its shareholders through the payment of $72 million in quarterly dividends and the repurchase of $113 million of common stock, or 2.9 million shares. The Company also purchased approximately 432,000 shares from its Disputed Claims Reserve at the prevailing market price to satisfy certain tax obligations resulting from the July 1, 2014, distribution.

As of September 30, 2014, $721 million of the Company’s unrestricted cash balance was held in Venezuelan bolivars, valued at the weighted average applicable exchange rate of 6.41 bolivars to the dollar. The Company’s cash balance held in Venezuelan bolivars decreased $70 million from the June 30, 2014, balance of $791 million, due primarily to $48 million in repatriations in the third quarter of 2014 ($31 million valued at 6.3 bolivars to the dollar and $17 million valued at 10.6 bolivars to the dollar). This balance also reflects the Company’s significant reduction in capacity in this market, pending further repatriation of funds and due to a decrease in demand for air travel resulting from the effective devaluation of the bolivar. The Company continues to work with Venezuelan authorities regarding the timing and exchange rate applicable to the repatriation of funds held in local currency. The Company is monitoring this situation closely and continues to evaluate its holdings of Venezuelan bolivars for potential impairment.

In early October, the Company arranged a new credit facility consisting of a fully-drawn $750 million term loan that matures in October 2021 and an undrawn $400 million revolving credit facility that matures in October 2019. Collateral for the new credit facility consists of certain slots, gates and route authorities. Also in early October, the Company increased its existing $1 billion revolving credit facility by $400 million and extended its maturity date from June 2018 to October 2019. As a result of these transactions, the Company’s undrawn revolving credit facility is now $1.8 billion.

On October 22, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.10 per share for shareholders of record as of November 3, 2014. The dividend will be paid on November 17, 2014.

Merger Integration Developments

Reached a tentative agreement with the Association of Professional Flight Attendants on a joint collective bargaining agreement covering more than 24,000 flight attendants at American and US Airways. This agreement is pending ratification by the flight attendants

Recalibrated the schedule at our Miami hub to increase the number of available connections and optimize revenue

Combined operations at 82 airports since the merger, including the Company’s hub at Chicago O’Hare

Broke ground on our new state of the art Robert W. Baker Integrated Operations Center in Fort Worth, with completion planned for the third quarter of 2015

American flight attendants began exclusively using an electronic flight attendant manual on a handheld tablet, making the documents easier to access for flight attendants and reducing weight on each aircraft. US Airways flight attendants will begin using eManuals after the two carriers achieve a single operating certificate next year

Rebranded nine Admirals Club® lounges at eight airports, including Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Boston Logan Airport, Pittsburgh International Airport, and Tampa International Airport

Fleet and Network Developments

As part of its plan to modernize its fleet, the Company took delivery of 22 new mainline aircraft during the third quarter

US Airways became fully integrated in the trans-Atlantic joint business by launching a codeshare agreement with Finnair, providing customers increased access to Helsinki and beyond

Applied for new international service between Dallas/Fort Worth and Beijing. This will be the Company’s 11th route between the U.S. and Asia

Special Items

In the third quarter, the Company recognized a total of $281 million in net special charges, including:

$223 million net special operating charges, which principally included $168 million of mainline and regional merger integration expenses and an $81 million charge to revise prior estimates of certain aircraft residual values. These charges were offset, in part, by a net $40 million credit for bankruptcy related items consisting of fair value adjustments for bankruptcy settlement obligations
$50 million of nonoperating items, primarily due to early debt extinguishment costs related to American’s 7.5 percent senior secured notes and other debt
$8 million in non-cash deferred income tax provision related to certain indefinite-lived intangible assets

Copyright Photo: Jay Selman/AirlinersGallery.com. US Airways is now repainting its fleet, including the older Boeing 757-200s. Boeing 757-23N N203UW (msn 30548) taxies at the Charlotte hub.

American Airlines (current livery):

US Airways:

American Airlines-US Airways:

American Airlines Group reports a record first quarter net profit of $480 million

American Airlines Group (American Airlines and US Airways) (Dallas/Fort Worth) today reported its first quarter 2014 results.

First quarter 2014 net profit was a record $480 million. This represents a $777 million improvement versus the company’s combined first quarter 2013 net loss of $297 million.

Excluding net special credits, the company reported a record first quarter net profit of $402 million. This represents a $340 million year-over-year improvement versus the company’s combined net profit of $62 million excluding net special charges in the first quarter 2013.

First quarter 2014 pretax margin excluding net special credits was 4.1 percent, a 3.6 point year-over-year improvement.

The company ended the quarter with $10.6 billion in total cash and short-term investments. Since the close of the merger, the company has used more than $542 million of cash to reduce its diluted shares outstanding by approximately 20 million.

For the first quarter 2014, American Airlines Group reported a record GAAP net profit of $480 million. This compares to a net loss of $341 million in the first quarter 2013. The company’s GAAP results for the first quarter 2013 reflect AMR Corporation prior to the merger.

The company believes it is more meaningful to compare year-over-year results for American Airlines and US Airways on a combined basis, which is a non-GAAP formulation that combines the results for AMR Corporation and US Airways Group. Therefore, it includes the results of US Airways Group for the full period. See the accompanying notes in the Financial Tables section of this press release for further explanation of this presentation, including a reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial information.

First quarter 2014 net profit excluding net special credits was a record $402 million. This compares to a combined non-GAAP net profit of $62 million excluding net special charges for the same period in 2013. Excluding net special credits, first quarter 2014 diluted earnings per share was $0.54.

“We are very pleased to report a record profit in our first full quarter as a merged company,” said Doug Parker, CEO of American Airlines Group. “Our team of dedicated professionals did an excellent job of taking care of our customers despite particularly difficult weather conditions throughout the quarter. We are excited for the future and expect our synergies to build as we continue to integrate our operations.”

Merger Integration

Since closing the merger on December 9, 2013, the company has made significant progress in integrating American Airlines and US Airways. Key accomplishments:

Launched the world’s largest codeshare, offering customers improved access to the company’s global network by allowing them to book flights on both airlines’ networks

Provided reciprocal benefits for airport lounge and frequent flyer elite members, including priority check-in, waiving fees for checked bags, complimentary access to preferred seats, priority security lines, early boarding and priority baggage delivery

Enabled AAdvantage® and Dividend Miles® members to earn and redeem miles when traveling across either airline’s network

Joined operations at 58 airports, including Phoenix and Miami hubs

Moved US Airways into the oneworld alliance on March 31 and to the trans-Atlantic joint venture with American, British Airways, Iberia and Finnair on April 3

Aligned award travel options, checked baggage policies and inflight services for First and Business Class customers

Announced Sabre as the new Passenger Services System for the combined company

Closed the sale of the slot divestitures required by the U.S. Department of Justice at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). In total, the company received $381 million in cash from the DCA sales and the sale of slots at New York’s LaGuardia (LGA) Airport, which closed in the fourth quarter 2013.

Revenue and Cost Comparisons

On a combined basis, total revenues in the first quarter were a record $10 billion, up 5.6 percent versus the first quarter 2013 on a 2.0 percent increase in total available seat miles (ASMs). Driven by a record yield of 17.03 cents, up 3.2 percent year-over-year, combined consolidated passenger revenue per ASM (PRASM) was also a record for the first quarter at 13.67 cents, up 2.9 percent versus the first quarter 2013.

Total combined operating expenses in the first quarter were $9.3 billion, down 0.3 percent over first quarter 2013. Combined first quarter mainline cost per available seat mile (CASM) was 13.50 cents, down 2.7 percent on a 2.7 percent increase in mainline ASMs versus first quarter 2013. This cost improvement was largely due to a 4.8 percent decrease in year-over-year mainline fuel prices. Excluding special charges, fuel and profit sharing, mainline CASM was up 4.0 percent compared to the first quarter 2013, at 8.96 cents. Regional CASM excluding special charges and fuel was 16.62 cents, up 5.0 percent on a 3.2 percent decrease in regional ASMs versus first quarter 2013.

Liquidity

As of March 31, 2014, American had approximately $10.6 billion in total cash and short-term investments, of which $947 million was restricted. The company also has an undrawn revolving credit facility of $1.0 billion. Approximately $750 million of the company’s unrestricted cash balance was held in Venezuelan bolivars, valued at the weighted average applicable exchange rate of 6.32 bolivars to the dollar. This includes approximately $94 million valued at 4.3 bolivars, approximately $611 million valued at 6.3 bolivars and approximately $45 million valued at 10.7 bolivars, with the rate depending on the date the company submitted its repatriation request to the Venezuelan government.

In the first quarter of 2014, the Venezuelan government announced that a newly-implemented system (SICAD I) will determine the exchange rate (which fluctuates as determined by weekly auctions and at March 31, 2014 was 10.7 bolivars to the dollar) for repatriation of cash proceeds from ticket sales after January 1, 2014, and introduced new procedures for approval of repatriation of local currency. The company is continuing to work with Venezuelan authorities regarding the timing and exchange rate applicable to the repatriation of funds held in local currency. The company is monitoring this situation closely and continues to evaluate its holdings of Venezuelan bolivars for potential impairment.

Since the merger, the company paid $542 million in tax withholdings for employees in lieu of issuing shares of common stock as compensation as permitted under the Plan of Reorganization, thereby reducing the number of shares expected to be issued under the Plan by approximately 20 million. Additionally, the company has elected to utilize the cash settlement feature for the remaining $22 million principal amount of US Airways Group 7.25% convertible notes due May 15, 2014, which will further reduce diluted shares by approximately 4 million shares.

Special Items

In the first quarter, the company recognized a combined total of $78 million in net special credits, including:

$137 million in net special credits consisting primarily of the gain on the sale of slots at Reagan National Airport offset in part by integration and merger-related expenses

$47 million in non-operating special charges due primarily to non-cash interest accretion on bankruptcy settlement obligations

$8 million in non-cash deferred income tax provision related to certain indefinite-lived intangible assets

$4 million in regional non-operating charges

Additional Integration Related Developments

Distributed $11 million to employees for baggage handling and on-time performance in the month of January; this distribution of $100 per employee is part of the company’s Triple Play program which measures on-time arrivals and baggage performance as reported in the DOT’s Air Travel Consumer Report (ATCR)

Conducted first joint Captain Leadership Training with newly promoted captains from both airlines

On April 9, Piedmont flight attendants ratified a new five-year Collective Bargaining Agreement
Opened a new Admirals Club lounge at the company’s Philadelphia (PHL) hub

Fleet/Network Developments

As part of its plan to modernize its fleet by replacing older aircraft with newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft, the company inducted 12 new Airbus A321 aircraft into service between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and JFK and San Francisco International Airport (SFO). American is now the only U.S. carrier to offer three classes of service between these key markets.

The company also took delivery of one Airbus A330-200 aircraft, five Boeing 737-800 aircraft and one Boeing 777-300 aircraft during the first quarter.

Revealed new Boeing 767-300 and 777-200ER cabin retrofits, which feature lie-flat seats with direct aisle access in Business Class

In April 2014, the company exercised its option to purchase (and thus terminated its existing lease financing arrangements) for 62 Airbus A320 family aircraft scheduled to be delivered between first quarter 2015 and third quarter 2017. In connection with this decision, the company also exercised its right to convert firm orders for 30 Airbus A320 family NEO aircraft (scheduled to be delivered in 2021 and 2022) to options to acquire such aircraft.

Top Copyright Photo: Rolf Wallner/AirlinersGallery.com. American Airlines’ Boeing 767-323 ER N346AN (msn 33085) taxies at Zurich.

American Airlines:

US Airways:

Bottom Copyright Photo: Jay Selman/AirlinersGallery.com. US Airways is now planning to operate the last Boeing 737 revenue flight on August 18 at the Charlotte hub. Boeing 737-4B7 N450UW (msn 24933) arrives back at CLT.

American Airlines Group reports its combined fourth quarter and full year financial results

American Airlines Group Inc. (American Airlines and US Airways) (Dallas/Fort Worth) today reported fourth quarter and full year 2013 results.

As the result of the merger which closed on Dec. 9, 2013, US Airways Group became a subsidiary of AMR Corporation which changed its name to American Airlines Group Inc. (AAG)
Fourth quarter 2013 combined net profit was $436 million on a non-GAAP basis excluding net special charges. This represents a $478 million improvement versus the company’s combined fourth quarter 2012 non-GAAP net loss of $42 million excluding net special credits
2013 combined net profit was $1.9 billion on a non-GAAP basis excluding net special charges, a $1.5 billion improvement versus the company’s combined 2012 non-GAAP net profit of $407 million excluding net special charges
The company ended the year with $10.3 billion in total cash and investments. Since the merger, the company has used more than $300 million of cash to reduce its diluted shares outstanding by approximately 14 million

For the fourth quarter 2013, AAG reported a GAAP net loss of $2.0 billion, which includes $2.4 billion of net special charges. This compares to a net profit of $262 million, which includes $350 million of net special credits in the fourth quarter 2012. AAG’s GAAP financial results include the results for US Airways only for the period from the completion of the merger on Dec. 9, 2013 through Dec. 31, 2013.

For full year 2013, GAAP net loss was $1.8 billion, which includes $3.1 billion of net special charges. This compares to a full year 2012 net loss of $1.9 billion, which includes $1.7 billion of net special charges.

The company believes it is more meaningful to compare year-over-year results for American Airlines and US Airways on a combined basis, which is a non-GAAP formulation that combines the results for AMR Corporation and US Airways Group. Therefore, it includes the results of US Airways Group for the full period (not just the period since the merger closed). See the accompanying notes in the Financial Tables section of this press release for further explanation of this presentation, including a reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial information.

Fourth quarter 2013 combined net profit was $436 million on a non-GAAP basis excluding net special charges. This compares to a combined non-GAAP net loss of $42 million excluding net special credits for the same period in 2012. Based on a diluted share count of 742 million, fourth quarter 2013 diluted earnings per share was $0.59 on a non-GAAP basis.

For 2013, the company’s combined net profit was $1.9 billion on a non-GAAP basis excluding net special charges. This represents a $1.5 billion improvement over the company’s combined 2012 non-GAAP net profit of $407 million excluding net special charges.

“The early returns on our merger are very positive,” said Doug Parker, CEO of American Airlines Group Inc. “Our teams are working well together and our customers are already beginning to see the benefits of our combined network. We have much work ahead, but believe we are on our way to restoring American as the greatest airline in the world. These financial results are evidence of the strong foundation we have in place and we anticipate improving upon these results as we further integrate our operations in 2014.”

Merger Integration

Since closing the merger on December 9, 2013, the company has made significant progress in integrating American Airlines and US Airways. Key accomplishments include:

Launched the first phase of codesharing which offers customers improved access to the company’s global network by allowing them to book select flights on both airlines’ networks
Provided reciprocal benefits for Club members and Elite members, including priority check-in, waiver of fees for checked bags, complimentary access to preferred seats, priority security, early boarding and priority baggage delivery
Allowed AAdvantage^® and Dividend Miles members to earn and redeem miles when traveling across either airline’s network
Trained more than 85,000 customer-facing employees

Revenue and Cost Comparisons

On a combined basis, total revenues in the fourth quarter were $10.0 billion, up 8.7 percent versus the fourth quarter 2012 on a 3.4 percent increase in total available seat miles (ASMs). Fourth quarter combined consolidated passenger revenue per ASM (PRASM) was 13.64 cents, up 5.0 percent versus the fourth quarter 2012, driven by a 5.3 percent increase in yield.

Strong demand and high load factors led to 2013 total combined revenues of $40.4 billion, which were up 4.7 percent versus 2012. Full year combined consolidated PRASM was 13.67 cents, up 2.6 percent versus 2012.

Total combined operating expenses in the fourth quarter were $9.7 billion, up 7.0 percent over fourth quarter 2012. Combined fourth quarter mainline cost per available seat mile (CASM) was 14.17 cents, up 4.2 percent on a 3.6 percent increase in mainline ASMs versus fourth quarter 2012. Excluding special charges, fuel and profit sharing, mainline CASM was flat compared to the fourth quarter 2012, at8.49 cents. Regional CASM excluding special charges and fuel was 15.73 cents, up 1.8 percent on a 1.6 percent increase in regional ASMs versus fourth quarter 2012.

For the full year 2013, total combined operating expenses were $37.8 billion, up 0.6 percent versus 2012. Excluding special charges, fuel and profit sharing, combined mainline CASM decreased 3.1 percent to 8.37 cents versus 2012. Regional CASM excluding special credits and fuel increased 1.1 percent to 15.38 cents versus 2012.

Liquidity and Financing Transactions

As of December 31, 2013, American had $10.3 billion in total cash and investments, of which $1.0 billion was restricted. The company also has an undrawn revolving credit facility of $1.0 billion. Approximately $710 million of this unrestricted cash balance was held as Venezuelan bolivars, valued at the weighted average applicable exchange rate of 6.04 bolivars to the dollar. The period of time to exchange those funds into dollars and repatriate them has been increasing and is presently more than a year. On January 24, 2014, the Venezuelan government announced that a newly-implemented system will determine the exchange rate (currently 11.36 to the dollar) for repatriation of income from future ticket sales, and introduced new procedures for approval of repatriation of local currency. American is working with Venezuelan authorities regarding the timing and exchange rate applicable to the repatriation of funds held in local currency.

During the fourth quarter, the company elected to pay approximately $300 million in tax withholdings for employees under the Plan of Reorganization in lieu of issuing shares of common stock, thereby reducing the number of shares issued under the Plan by approximately 13 million. On January 9, 2014, the first distribution date, the company paid approximately $23 million in additional employee tax withholdings in lieu of issuing approximately 1 million shares of common stock. The company may make a similar election on future distribution dates as both a service to our team members and an indication of our confidence in the value of our common stock.

Additional balance sheet and liquidity detail will be included in the company’s Form 10-K to be filed in February.

During the fourth quarter, the company engaged in these additional financing transactions:

Completed the American Airlines offering of the Series 2013-2B EETC in aggregate face amount of $512 million and the Series 2013-2C EETC in aggregate face amount of $256 million
Amended the American Airlines term loan facility and the revolving credit facility to lower the applicable LIBOR margins to 3.0% for both offerings. As part of this amendment, the LIBOR floor with respect to the term loan facility was reduced from 1.0% to 0.75%
Utilized the floating rate debt market to refinance eight US Airways aircraft (six A321s and two A320s) at significantly reduced rates
Financed two US Airways spare engine deliveries with a floating rate debt facility originated in 2012 while negotiating an interest rate reduction for the entire facility
On Jan. 16, 2014 the company also amended the US Airways term loan facility, to lower the applicable LIBOR margin from 3.0% to 2.75% for Tranche B1. In addition, the LIBOR floor was reduced from 1.0% to 0.75% on both the Tranche B1 and Tranche B2 loans

Special Charges

In the fourth quarter, the company recognized a combined total of $2.4 billion in net special charges, including:

$2.2 billion in net reorganization charges consisting primarily of a deemed claim to employees, professional fees and estimated allowed claim amounts
$497 million in operating expense net special charges primarily related to the pilot memorandum of understanding that became effective upon merger close, merger related costs and professional fees and a charge related to the pilot long-term disability obligation
$324 million in non-cash income tax benefits primarily related to gains recorded in Other Comprehensive Income, offset in part by a charge related to deferred tax liabilities on indefinite lived assets
$31 million in operating revenue net special credits related to a change in accounting method resulting from the modification of the company’s AAdvantage^® miles agreement with Citibank
$21 million in non-operating net special charges primarily related to interest charges to recognize post-petition interest expense on unsecured obligations

Notable Accomplishments

Additional Integration Related

On December 9, 2013, US Airways Group became a subsidiary of AMR Corporation which changed its name to American Airlines Group Inc. The company’s common stock began trading on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the ticker “AAL”. Union presidents and more than 1,000 of the company’s employees joined American’s senior management team for the televised NASDAQ opening bell ceremony
Announced the new leadership team through the Managing Director level
Co-located our revenue management team to ensure the company is executing pricing and revenue management strategies as one organization
Took the unprecedented step of asking team members to vote to select the aircraft livery of the merged carrier. More than 60,000 team members participated

Fleet/Network

Continued to modernize its fleet with new, fuel-efficient aircraft. The company inducted thirteen Airbus A320 family aircraft, two A330-200 aircraft, five Boeing 737-800 and one Boeing 777-300 aircraft into its fleet
Signed agreements with Bombardier Inc. and Embraer S.A. to purchase 90 new 76-seat regional jets that will replace smaller, less efficient 50-seat regional aircraft scheduled for retirement
Began nonstop service between its largest hub at Dallas/Fort Worth and Bogota, Colombia and Roatan, Honduras and announced proposed new service between Dallas/Fort Worth and Hong Kong and Shanghai
Began nonstop service between its Miami hub and Curitiba and Porto Alegre, Brazil
Expanded the company’s international reach from its hub at Charlotte, North Carolina with the announcement of new, seasonal summer service to Barcelona, Spain; Brussels, Belgium; Lisbon, Portugal and Manchester, England
Announced the company will begin service to Edinburgh, Scotland from its Philadelphia hub this summer
Held the grand opening of an expanded Terminal F in PHL, the exclusive home of US Airways Express. The airport project which was managed by the company, quadrupled the facilities central area to 37,000 square feet and added 20 new food, beverage and retail outlets for our customers

Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum/AirlinersGallery.com. American’s Boeing 767-323 ER N388AA (msn 27448) arrives at the Miami hub.

American Airlines (current):

American Airlines (historic):

US Airways:

AMR Corporation and the US Airways Group come together as the American Airlines Group

AMR Corporation (Dallas/Fort Worth) and US Airways Group, Inc. (Phoenix) today announced the completion of their merger to officially form American Airlines Group Inc. (NASDAQ: AAL) and begin building the new American Airlines (Dallas/Fort Worth).

According to the new airline group, “The new American has a robust global network with nearly 6,700 daily flights to more than 330 destinations in more than 50 countries and more than 100,000 employees worldwide. The combined airline has the scale, breadth and capabilities to compete more effectively and profitably in the global marketplace. Customers will soon enjoy access to more benefits and increased service across the combined company’s larger worldwide network and through an enhanced oneworld® Alliance. US Airways will exit Star Alliance on March 30, 2014 and will immediately enteroneworld on March 31, 2014. With an expanded global network and a strong financial foundation, American will deliver significant benefits to consumers, communities, employees and stakeholders.”

Although American and US Airways have come together as one company, the process to achieve a Single Operating Certificate is expected to take approximately 18 to 24 months. In the meantime, customers should continue to do business with the airline from which travel was purchased just as they did before the merger. In short, it is “business as usual.” The airlines’ separate websites, aa.com and usairways.com, as well as the two airlines’ reservations systems and loyalty programs, will continue to operate separately until further in the integration process.

Customer benefits of the transaction to be rolled out over time include:

A codeshare agreement between American and US Airways, creating more convenient access to the combined company’s global network
More choices and connectivity, with nine hub airports across the U.S.
Global access to a stronger oneworld alliance – including joint businesses with British Airways, Iberia and Finnair across the Atlantic and with Japan Airlines and Qantas across the Pacific – creating more options for travel and benefits both domestically and internationally
Reciprocal American Admirals Club and US Airways Club benefits and reciprocal elite recognition
Upgrade reciprocity
Consolidation of loyalty programs and expanded opportunities to earn and redeem miles across the combined network
Full integration of policies, websites, kiosks and customer-facing technology to ensure a consistent worldwide travel experience
Co-location of ticket counters and gates in key markets
With firm orders for more than 600 new mainline aircraft, American will have one of the most modern and efficient fleets in the industry, and a solid foundation for continued investment in technology, products, and services

Customers will begin to see enhancements to their experience in early January, including the ability to earn and redeem miles when traveling on either American Airlines or US Airways, reciprocal American Admirals Club and US Airways Club benefits, and reciprocal elite recognition. The combined airline expects to share more details around these key customer benefits early next year.

As the integration process is underway, American’s new Find Your Way site, aa.com/findyourway, will connect customers to key information throughout the merger integration process. Additionally, customers should visit aa.com and usairways.com, which will continue to be regularly updated with news on any fee, policy and procedure changes.

Employees of the new American will benefit from being part of a company with a more competitive and stronger financial foundation, which will create greater career opportunities over the long term. The completed merger also provides the path to improved compensation and benefits for employees.

Alignment of pay, benefits, work rules and other guidelines for employees of both airlines will be phased in over time so that all changes can be carefully considered. Represented employees will continue to work under their respective Collective Bargaining Agreements, with the modifications provided under the negotiated Memoranda of Understanding for certain groups. American’s non-represented Agents, Representatives and Planners will operate under their current terms and conditions of employment with merger-related adjustments.

The combination is expected to deliver enhanced value to American Airlines’ stakeholders and US Airways’ investors. The transaction is expected to generate more than $1 billion in annual net synergies by 2015.

The common and preferred stock of American Airlines Group will trade on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbols “AAL” and “AALCP,” respectively.

Rothschild is serving as financial advisor to American Airlines, and Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, Jones Day, Paul Hastings, Debevoise & Plimpton LLP and K&L Gates LLP are serving as legal counsel. Barclays and Millstein & Co. are serving as financial advisors to US Airways, and Latham & Watkins LLP, O’Melveny & Myers LLP, Dechert LLP and Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP are serving as legal counsel to US Airways. Moelis & Company and Mesirow Financial are serving as financial advisors to the Unsecured Creditors Committee. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and Togut, Segal & Segal LLP are serving as the Unsecured Creditors Committee’s legal counsel.

Copyright Photo: Brian Peters/AirlinersGallery.com. Repainted with the new tail markings, Boeing 777-223 ER N791AN (msn 30254) departs from the DFW Hub in the “new look” AA Oneworld livery. N791AN is the first American aircraft to appear in the updated Oneworld color scheme.

Video: A “Thank You” from outgoing CEO Tom Horton of the American Airlines:

American Airlines:

AMR proposes to exit Chapter 11 and merge with the US Airways Group on December 9

AMR Corporation (American Airlines) (Dallas/Fort Worth) today issued this statement:

Today, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York approved the settlement of the lawsuit reached with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and certain states relating to the merger of AMR Corporation and US Airways Group, Inc. (US Airways). The court also ruled that the merger may be consummated despite the pendency of a private antitrust lawsuit. As a result of the Court’s rulings, AMR Corporation, the parent company of American Airlines, Inc., today filed with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York a notice that the proposed effective date of the Plan of Reorganization will be December 9, 2013.

Consummation of AMR’s Plan of Reorganization and the merger of US Airways Group, Inc. with and into a subsidiary of AMR Corporation is planned to be completed prior to the securities markets opening on December 9, 2013. Assuming this expected schedule, the last day of trading of all outstanding securities of AMR, including the common stock trading under the symbol “AAMRQ,” and the common stock of US Airways Group, Inc. (Phoenix) will be December 6, 2013.

Upon the anticipated closing of the merger on December 9, 2013, AMR Corporation will be renamed American Airlines Group Inc., with its common stock to be listed and traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “AAL” and its preferred stock to be listed and traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “AALCP.”

At the time the Plan of Reorganization becomes effective and the merger closes, each outstanding share of US Airways Group, Inc. common stock will be converted into one share of American Airlines Group Inc. common stock and substantially all pre-Chapter 11 unsecured claims against and outstanding equity securities of AMR Corporation will be satisfied by American Airlines Group Inc. common stock or preferred stock in accordance with the Plan of Reorganization.

This merger will create the world’s largest airline. It will be the end of US Airways as a stand alone company (operating initially under the American Airlines Group until the merger is finally implemented). The top management of US Airways will essentially take over the new American Airlines.

Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. American’s Boeing 737-823 N922NN (msn 29523) soars away from Los Angeles International Airport.

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US Airways:

AMR asks the bankruptcy court to approve the DOJ agreement leading to a merger with US Airways Group

AMR Corporation (American Airlines) (Dallas/Fort Worth) has asked the bankruptcy court to approve the settlement agreement with the Department of Justice (DOJ) permitting it to merge with the US Airways Group (US Airways) (Phoenix) according to this report by Reuters. One group of consumers opposed the merger, otherwise no one is objecting to DOJ settlement according to the AMR lawyers.

Bankruptcy Court Judge Sean Lane said he would offer a ruling in 24 to 36 hours.

If approved, the new merged group would become the American Airlines Group.

Read the full report: CLICK HERE

Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. The rapid repainting of the American fleet in the new 2013 look has likely hit the “tipping point” that incoming CEO Parker is now unlikely to change due to the delay in getting the merger approval. This livery will probably remain as the color scheme of the “new American” once the merger is completed. The new American is really America West Airlines (due to the ongoing management) doing business soon as American Airlines (formerly US Airways). Boeing 777-223 ER N770AN (msn 29578) climbs away from Los Angeles.

American Airlines:

US Airways:

The “new American” to operate under the umbrella of the American Airlines Group Inc.

AMR Corporation (Dallas/Fort Worth), whose principal operating subsidiary is American Airlines, Inc. (Dallas/Fort Worth), and US Airways Group, Inc. (Phoenix) today announced that they have applied to list the common stock of the combined company on the NASDAQ Global Select Market. Upon closing of the merger and AMR’s emergence from Chapter 11, the combined company will be renamed American Airlines Group Inc. and will use the ticker symbol “AAL.” Additionally, the common stock of both US Airways Group, Inc. and AMR Corporation will be cancelled and shareholders will receive equity interests in American Airlines Group Inc. per the terms of the Merger Agreement and Plan of Reorganization.

Copyright Photo: Ken Petersen/AirlinersGallery.com. American Airlines’ Boeing 777-323 ER N721AN (msn 31546) prepares to touch down in New York (JFK).

American Airlines:

American and US Airways settle with the Department of Justice giving up 52 DCA slot pairs and 17 LGA slot pairs, paving the way towards a merger

AMR Corporation (Dallas/Fort Worth), the parent company of American Airlines, Inc., (Dallas/Fort Worth) and US Airways Group, Inc. (US Airways) (Phoenix) today announced that the airlines have settled the litigation brought by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), the States of Arizona, Florida, Michigan and Tennessee, the Commonwealths of Pennsylvania and Virginia, and the District of Columbia challenging the merger of AMR and US Airways. The companies also announced an agreement with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) related to small community service from Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA).

Tom Horton, chairman, president and CEO of AMR, and incoming chairman of the board of the combined company, said, “This is an important day for our customers, our people and our financial stakeholders. This agreement allows us to take the final steps in creating the new American Airlines. With a renewed spirit, we are about to create the world’s leading airline that will offer, along with our oneworld® partners, a comprehensive global network and service by the best people in the business. There is much more work ahead of us but we’re energized by the challenge and look forward to competing vigorously in the ever-changing global marketplace.”

Doug Parker, chairman and CEO of US Airways, and incoming CEO of the combined airline, said, “This is very good news and we are grateful to all who have made it happen. In particular, we are thankful to our employees, who throughout this process continued to believe in a better future as one airline and who voiced their support passionately and consistently. We also want to thank the elected officials in the states and communities we serve, the business leaders in our hub cities, and the thousands of customers who endorsed and supported this effort. Thank you as well to the U.S. Department of Justice, the state attorneys general and the U.S. Department of Transportation. We are pleased to have this lawsuit behind us and look forward to building the new American Airlines together.”

Under the terms of the settlement, the airlines will divest 52 slot pairs at Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA) and 17 slot pairs at New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA), as well as certain gates and related facilities to support service at those airports. The airlines also will divest two gates and related support facilities at each of Boston Logan International Airport, Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Dallas Love Field, Los Angeles International Airport, and Miami International Airport. The divestitures will occur through a DOJ approved process following the completion of the merger. Despite the divestitures, the new American is still expected to generate more than $1 billion in annual net synergies beginning in 2015, as was estimated when the merger was announced in February.

After completion of the required divestitures, the combined company expects to operate 44 fewer daily departures at DCA and 12 fewer daily departures at LGA than the approximately 290 daily DCA departures and 175 daily LGA departures that American and US Airways operate today. The divestitures required by the settlement are not expected to impact total employment at the new American.

To ensure much of the service currently operated by the carriers to small- and medium-sized markets from DCA is maintained, the new American has agreed with the DOT to use all of its DCA commuter slot pairs for service to these communities. The new American intends to announce the service changes that will result from the divestitures in advance of the sale of the DCA and LGA slots, so that the airlines acquiring those slots have the opportunity to maintain service to those impacted communities.

In the settlement agreement with the state Attorneys General, the new American has agreed to maintain its hubs in Charlotte, New York (Kennedy), Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago (O’Hare), Philadelphia, and Phoenix consistent with historical operations for a period of three years. In addition, with limited exceptions, for a period of five years, the new American will continue to provide daily scheduled service from one or more of its hubs to each plaintiff state airport that has scheduled daily service from either American or US Airways. A previous settlement agreement with the state of Texas will be amended to make it consistent with today’s settlement.

Completion of the merger remains subject to the approval of the settlements by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, and certain other conditions. The companies now expect to complete the merger in December 2013.

Copyright Photo: Andi Hiltl/AirlinersGallery.com. American Airlines’ Boeing 767-323 ER N376AN (msn 25445) touches down in Zurich.

American Airlines:

US Airways:

US Airways Group reports a 3Q GAAP net profit of $216 million

US Airways Group, Inc. (US Airways) (Phoenix) today reported its third quarter 2013 financial results. For the third quarter 2013, pretax profit excluding net special items was a record $367 million, a $174 million, or 90%, year-over-year improvement.

On a GAAP basis, the Company reported a third quarter pretax profit of $336 million, up from $246 million in 2012. The GAAP net profit for the third quarter 2013 was $216 million, or $1.04 per diluted share versus a GAAP net profit of $245 million, or $1.24 per diluted share, for the same period in 2012. The Company’s 2013 third quarter results include a provision for income tax of $120 million, comprised principally of non-cash federal income tax expense, while the 2012 provision for income tax was only $1 million.

US Airways’ Chairman and CEO Doug Parker said, “We are extremely pleased to report a record pretax profit in the third quarter. These tremendous results are a testament to our 32,000 team members and their dedication to our millions of customers.

Revenue and Cost Comparisons

Total revenues in the third quarter were a record $3.9 billion, up 9.1 percent versus the third quarter 2012 on a 4.1 percent increase in total available seat miles (ASMs). Total revenue per ASM was a record 15.97 cents, up 4.9 percent versus the same period last year driven by a 4.4 percent increase in passenger yield and a record load factor of 85.5 percent.

Total operating expenses in the third quarter were $3.4 billion, up 5.0 percent over the same period last year on a 4.1 percent increase in ASMs. Mainline cost per available seat mile (CASM) was 12.94 cents, up 1.9 percent. Excluding special items, fuel and profit sharing, mainline CASM was 8.08 cents, up 1.7 percent versus the same period last year. Express CASM excluding special items and fuel was 14.36 cents, up 2.8 percent on a 0.4 percent decrease in ASMs.

Liquidity

During the third quarter, the Company repaid in full the prepaid miles loan issued in connection with its Barclays affinity credit card program at its face amount of $200 million. As of September 30, 2013, the Company had $3.9 billion in total cash and investments, of which $350 million was restricted. This is up $1.1 billion from the Company’s third quarter 2012 total cash and investments balance of $2.8 billion, of which $347 million was restricted.

Special Items

The Company recognized approximately $31 million of net special items before taxes in the third quarter. Mainline operating special items totaled $40 million and consisted primarily of merger related costs. Express operating special items consisted of a $14 million credit resulting from a favorable arbitration ruling related to a vendor contract. The Company also recognized approximately $5 million in nonoperating special items primarily related to non-cash write offs of debt discount associated with conversions of our 7.25% convertible senior notes. The net tax effect of these special items was approximately $6 million.

Notable Accomplishments

As part of the Company’s fleet renewal program, the Company took delivery of five new A321 aircraft and one new A330-200 aircraft. These aircraft replaced 737-400 aircraft.
Standard & Poor’s (S&P) raised the Company’s credit rating by one notch from “B-” to “B.” S&P cited the Company’s improved financial results and strong cash position as part of its upgrade.
As part of the Company’s operational incentive program, employees have earned approximately $10 million in year-to-date operational incentive payouts.
Pilots at PSA Airlines, a wholly-owned subsidiary of US Airways, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), ratified a Letter of Agreement that amends their existing collective bargaining agreement originally reached with the airline on March 27, 2013.
Introduced US Airways’ Track Your Bag, a free service allowing customers with a smartphone, tablet or laptop connected to the internet access to real-time information on the status of their checked luggage. Customers can check when their luggage is loaded and offloaded on their flight.
Announced agreement with Bags VIP delivery service that allows customers to schedule luggage delivery directly to their home, hotel or business. Travelers can schedule and pay for Bags VIP delivery up to one hour prior to their scheduled departure by visiting maketraveleasier.com/usairways.
US Airways’ Education Foundation awarded $270,000 in educational grants to 21 nonprofit organizations in the airline’s hub cities of Charlotte, N.C., Philadelphia, Phoenix and Washington, D.C. as part of its 2013 Community Education Grant Program.
In partnership with the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer (MSABC), the Company has launched its second annual “BE PINK” campaign. As part of the campaign, thousands of employees have purchased and are wearing pink uniform items in October, which is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Proceeds from the sale of uniform items are donated to the American Cancer Society. In addition, employees will show their support of breast cancer programs through the sponsorship of MSABC walks in the airline’s hub cities of Charlotte, N.C., Philadelphia, Phoenix and Washington, D.C.
As part of the Company’s “Hope Takes Flight” campaign, which benefits United Way, US Airways’ employees raised more than $1.4 million. Money raised will go to support the communities in which US Airways’ employees live and work.

Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum/AirlinersGallery.com. The new Airbus A321s are gradually replacing the older Boeing 737-400s which should be gone by the end of 2014. This phase out will end the company’s long relationship with the Boeing 737. Boeing 737-4B7 N434US (msn 24556) climbs away from runway 27R at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

US Airways:

AMR reports a third quarter net profit of $420 million, excluding reorganization and special items

AMR Corporation (Dallas/Fort Worth), the parent company of American Airlines, Inc., (Dallas/Fort Worth) reported results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2013. Key highlights include:

Net profit of $530 million, excluding reorganization and special items, a $420 million improvement year-over-year; on that basis, it is the most profitable quarter in company history
Revenue of $6.8 billion, up 6.2 percent year-over-year; the highest quarterly revenue total in company history
Consolidated unit costs, excluding fuel and special items, improved 5.0 percent year-over-year, marking the fourth consecutive quarter of unit cost reduction
AMR ended the third quarter with approximately $7.7 billion in cash and short-term investments, including restricted cash, compared to a balance of approximately $5.1 billion at the end of the third quarter of 2012
American continued its fleet renewal, taking delivery of ten fuel-efficient Airbus A319s, eight Boeing 737-800s, and one Boeing 777-300 ER in the quarter, while also placing into service four Embraer ERJ 175s operated by one of its affiliated regional carriers
American and US Airways Group are vigorously defending the lawsuit filed by the Department of Justice seeking to enjoin their planned merger and continue to move forward with developing a merger integration plan
American accrued $59 million in employee profit sharing in the quarter, and has accrued a total of $65 million for employee profit sharing this year. The anticipated distribution would be the first profit sharing payout in thirteen years

“We are pleased to report our highest quarterly net profit in American’s history, excluding reorganization and special items, thanks to the hard work of the entire American team,” said Tom Horton, AMR’s chairman, president and CEO. “Continued execution on our product, network and alliance strategy, combined with cost efficiencies from restructuring and fleet renewal, creates strong momentum towards our planned merger with US Airways. And we are especially pleased to set aside $59 million this quarter in expectation of making our first profit-sharing payout since 2001 to our people who have done so much to put American back on top.”

In the third quarter of 2013, GAAP net profit was $289 million, a $527 million improvement compared to the prior-year period. Excluding reorganization and special items, the third quarter 2013 net profit was $530 million. This is a $420 million improvement compared to the prior-year period. In the quarter, AMR had $241 million of reorganization and special items, which are detailed below.

Financial Progress

AMR continued to drive profitability and significant margin expansion in the third quarter, achieving a pre-tax margin of 7.8 percent, excluding reorganization and special items, an improvement of 6.1 points over the prior-year period, and a GAAP pre-tax margin of 4.2 percent, an improvement of 7.9 points compared to the third quarter of 2012.

On a trailing twelve month basis, the third quarter marked AMR’s seventh consecutive quarter of improved pre-tax margins. This margin expansion is driven by the realization of restructuring efforts to improve the operational and financial performance of the company, and AMR expects to realize additional improvements as the company continues to implement new terms reached with certain vendors and suppliers. AMR also expects results going forward to be bolstered as it competes more effectively by better matching aircraft size with demand through the continued deployment of the new Airbus A319 narrowbodies and the new two-class large regional jets, both of which started entering into service in the third quarter.

“As we continue to deliver substantial margin expansion and record results, we are positioning the company for long-term success,” said Bella Goren, AMR’s chief financial officer. “In addition, our financing activities have significantly enhanced our liquidity, and are enabling us to pay down high-interest debt and efficiently fund our impending emergence from the restructuring process.”

In the third quarter of 2013, AMR strengthened its liquidity and reduced its effective interest rates through several key transactions. AMR completed a private offering of $1.4 billion of enhanced equipment trust certificates with a coupon of 4.95 percent. The proceeds from this offering were used to pay off in full three prior aircraft financings with coupons of 8.625 percent, 10.375 percent, and 13 percent. The third quarter also marked the closing of an $850 million term loan, secured by American’s South American slots, gates, and routes, incremental to the $1.05 billion term loan secured by the same collateral that closed in the second quarter.

Revenue Performance

For the third quarter of 2013, AMR reported record consolidated revenue of approximately $6.8 billion, up 6.2 percent versus the same period last year. Consolidated passenger revenue was approximately $6.0 billion, an increase of 6.4 percent – and the highest quarterly passenger revenue in company history. Mainline and regional passenger revenue and cargo revenue each increased year-over-year as total operating revenue in the third quarter of 2013 was approximately $399 million higher than the third quarter of 2012.

“American’s solid revenue momentum continued in the third quarter, with especially strong performance at our domestic hubs, and in the Atlantic and Caribbean regions,” said Virasb Vahidi, American’s chief commercial officer. “We’re particularly pleased with our strength across the Atlantic, reflecting the success of our joint business with British Airways, Iberia and Finnair.

Through this partnership, we offer our customers more New York-London travel options than any other alliance, with 17 daily nonstop flights from New York area airports. This is yet another example of putting the customer at the center of everything we do.”

Consolidated passenger revenue per available seat mile (unit revenue) increased 3.4 percent versus the same quarter last year, to an all-time record for any quarter of 13.79 cents per available seat mile (ASM). Mainline unit revenue at American increased 4.0 percent versus the prior-year period, reaching an all-time record for any quarter of 13.11 cents per ASM.

The company’s unit revenue performance was driven by record passenger yield, or revenue per passenger mile, of 16.36 cents per mile, a 4.0 percent year-over-year improvement, and strong mainline and consolidated load factors, or percentage of seats filled, of 85.0 percent and 84.3 percent, respectively.

Operating Expense

For the third quarter, AMR’s consolidated operating expenses decreased $248 million, or 3.9 percent, versus the same period in 2012. Mainline and consolidated cost per available seat mile (unit cost) in the third quarter decreased 7.4 percent and 6.6 percent, respectively.

Excluding special items, AMR’s consolidated operating expenses decreased $52 million, or 0.8 percent, year-over-year.

Fuel expense in the third quarter increased $40 million year-over-year on a 2.9 percent increase in ASMs. Taking into account the impact of fuel hedging, AMR paid $3.04 per gallon for jet fuel in the third quarter of 2013 versus $3.12 per gallon in the third quarter of 2012, a 2.6 percent decrease.

Excluding fuel and special items, mainline and consolidated unit costs in the third quarter of 2013 decreased 5.4 percent and 5.0 percent year-over-year, respectively, primarily driven by the company’s restructuring efforts. This was the fourth consecutive quarter of non-fuel unit cost reduction.

In addition, AMR achieved an operating profit of $713 million and an operating margin of approximately 10.4 percent, an improvement of approximately $451 million and 6.3 points, respectively, over the prior-year period, excluding special items in both periods. On a GAAP basis, AMR realized an operating profit of $698 million and an operating margin of approximately 10.2 percent, an improvement of approximately $647 million and 9.4 points, respectively, over the prior-year period.

An unaudited summary of third quarter 2013 results, including reconciliations of non-GAAP to GAAP financial measures, is available in the tables at the back of this press release.

Cash Position

The company ended the third quarter with approximately $7.7 billion in cash and short-term investments, including a restricted cash balance of $935 million, compared to a balance of approximately $5.1 billion in cash and short-term investments, including a restricted cash balance of approximately $847 million, at the end of the third quarter of 2012. The increase was generated by operating activities and by financing initiatives in 2013.

Fleet Renewal and Transformation

In the third quarter, American made significant progress on its fleet renewal program, adding new, efficient and more comfortable aircraft.

The newest member of America’s fleet – the Airbus 319 – went into service in September, flying from Dallas/Fort Worth to Charlotte, Cleveland, Memphis and Wichita. These modern and fuel-efficient aircraft represent an important milestone in the company’s journey to transform the travel experience for its customers. American took delivery of ten A319s in the third quarter.
The company launched its first service with the 76-seat Embraer ERJ 175 operated by one of its affiliated regional carriers. This large regional aircraft in a two-class cabin configuration allows the company to better match supply and demand with the right amount of schedule frequency.
American also took delivery of eight Boeing 737-800s and one Boeing 777-300ER.

In the fourth quarter, American expects to take delivery of its first five Airbus A321 trans-con aircraft – specially configured with fully lie-flat First and Business Class seats. These aircraft are anticipated to enter service in January 2014.

Through the third quarter, American has taken delivery of 43 out of the 59 new mainline aircraft slated for delivery in 2013, including seven Boeing 777-300 ERs.

Pending Merger with US Airways Group

In the third quarter, American and US Airways Group continued preparing for their planned merger announced on Feb. 14, 2013.
On Aug. 13, the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice (DOJ) and certain states filed a lawsuit to enjoin the merger.
American and US Airways Group are vigorously defending the lawsuit. The trial is scheduled to begin Nov. 25. The company is confident that the merger would provide significant customer benefits and enhance competition in the airline industry.
On Oct. 1, American and US Airways Group announced they reached an agreement with the Texas Attorney General to support the proposed merger of American and US Airways Group.
American and US Airways Group continue to move forward with developing a merger integration plan designed to ensure a positive outcome for their customers, employees and stakeholders.

The merger is conditioned on the satisfactory resolution of the pending antitrust litigation with the DOJ and other customary closing conditions.

Operational Performance

American ran a solid operation during the busy summer travel season, achieving an on-time arrival rate of 79.5 percent, its best third quarter performance since 2010. American’s improved operational results for the quarter also include a completion factor of 99.0 percent, its best since 2010.

Recent Business Highlights

American has a strong commitment to its customers, its people, and the communities it serves. Recent American highlights include:

Launching new codeshare agreements with Bogota-based LAN Colombia and Sao Paulo-based TAM Airlines, which will add new service to key destinations and increase American’s network connectivity in the Latin American region, further strengthening American’s relationship with LATAM Airlines Group
Strengthening its global presence to best meet customer demand by announcing that American will launch its first-ever nonstop service from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) to Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) and Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) next year
Opening its Flagship Check-In for premium customers at Chicago’s O’Hare airport, making it American’s fourth airport to offer this enhanced customer experience
Announcing plans to hire 1,500 new pilots over the next five years. The company has offered to recall all of its furloughed pilots and will begin the new recruiting later this fall. This is in addition to the hiring and training underway for 1,500 new flight attendants and the more than 1,200 Premium Services Representatives, Airport Agents and Reservations Agents who have joined the American team this year

Restructuring Progress

On Sept.12, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York stated that it would enter an order confirming American’s Plan of Reorganization (the Plan). The next steps the company seeks to take are to achieve antitrust clearance and consummate the Plan and the company’s pending merger with US Airways Group.

The effective date of the Plan and American’s emergence from restructuring are expected to occur simultaneously with the closing of the merger with US Airways Group.

Reorganization and Special Items

AMR’s third quarter 2013 results include the impact of $241 million in reorganization and special items.

Of that amount, AMR recognized a $151 million loss in reorganization items resulting from the filing of voluntary petitions for reorganization under Chapter 11 by certain of its direct and indirect U.S. subsidiaries on Nov. 29, 2011. These items primarily consist of professional fees, as well as allowed and estimated allowed claim amounts.
In conjunction with the repayment of the existing financings, the company incurred cash charges of $19 million, included in interest expense, and a charge of $54 million, included in Miscellaneous, net, related to the premium on tender for the existing financings and to the write-off of unamortized issuance costs.
The company’s results for the third quarter also include special charges and merger-related expenses of $15 million.

Capacity Guidance

AMR estimates consolidated capacity in the fourth quarter of 2013 to be up approximately 3.5 percent versus the fourth quarter of 2012, primarily driven by the combination of an estimated 1.5 percent year-over-year increase in the average stage length per operation flown, and by new or increased capacity into South Korea, Mexico and Central and South America.

For the full year 2013, consolidated capacity is estimated to increase approximately 1.5 percent versus the prior year.

American Airlines: