Hawaiian sees unit revenue gains during the first quarter
By Lori Ranson
Bucking a trend of revenue warnings by US major carriers, Hawaiian Airlines expects its passenger unit revenues in the first quarter to exceed expectations.
Based on preliminary data Hawaiian expects its passenger revenue per available seat mile (PRASM) to rise by 3.5% -5.5% year-over-year for the first quarter versus previous projections of a 1%-2% rise. Hawaiian's PRASM for the first quarter of 2008 was 10.14 cents.
Hawaiian's revised upward projection follows warnings by American, Continental and United of significant unit revenue declines for the quarter.
American estimates its consolidated unit revenues will drop 10.2%-11.2% for the first quarter, while the shift in the Easter holiday to April this year contributed to a 20% drop in consolidated unit revenues for Continental. United expects it consolidated passenger unit revenues to fall 11%-12% in the first quarter.