Chicago – United Airlines said Wednesday it expects a key measure of passenger revenue to rise by as much as 8.5 percent in the third quarter as it benefits from packed planes and higher fares than a year ago.
In a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the company said passenger revenue per available seat mile, or the amount the airline makes for each seat flown, is forecast to increase 7.5 to 8.5 percent year over year for mainline operations.
It is expected to climb 6.75 to 7.75 percent overall.
Chairman and chief executive Glenn Tilton said the nation’s No. 2 carrier is continuing the momentum from a solid second quarter.
Cost per available seats flown, excluding fuel and other items, is expected to rise 5.25 to 5.75 percent overall. The figures include $31 million in additional expenses from profit- sharing programs and a noncash charge for surplus and obsolete maintenance inventory not included in an earlier forecast.
