AviationGeeks.com - AMR Corporation Reports Third Quarter 2011 Results

AMR Corporation, the parent company of American Airlines, Inc., today reported a net loss of $162 million, or $0.48 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2011, compared to a net profit of $143 million, or $0.39 per diluted share, for the same period of 2010.

exchange rates. WTI prices decreased, while jet fuel prices remained high, which resulted in a non-cash item relating to fuel hedging ineffectiveness being recorded in fuel expense. In addition, foreign exchange rates were volatile and the U.S. dollar strengthened during the period, and as a result of revaluing foreign assets, the Company incurred a foreign exchange loss. Altogether, these items, which the Company described on Oct. 10, increased AMR's net loss by approximately $50 million or 15 cents per share.

In the third quarter, the Company's overall performance was negatively impacted by fuel prices, which increased 41 percent compared to the prior year period. Taking into account the impact of fuel hedging, AMR paid on average $3.15 per gallon for jet fuel in the quarter versus $2.24 per gallon in the third quarter of 2010. As a result, the Company paid $653 million more for fuel in the third quarter of 2011 than it would have paid at prevailing prices from the corresponding prior-year period.

"While the third quarter was challenging for American Airlines, we are taking aggressive actions to improve the Company's performance and strengthen its foundation for long-term success," said AMR Chairman and CEO Gerard Arpey. "We have put in place many of the critical building blocks for a successful future, including a strong network and alliance partnerships, accelerated fleet renewal plans and innovative products and services to enhance our customers' experience. At this point, our immediate top priority is to address the key remaining foundational issue, which is our cost structure, so that we can change the competitive dynamics and move our company forward on the path to profitability."

Arpey also highlighted several recent actions American has taken to address its near-term performance and strengthen the foundation for its success over the long term:

Capacity Reduction

In October, American Airlines announced it will adjust its late fall and winter schedule, which is expected to result in fourth quarter mainline capacity that is approximately 3 percent lower on a year-over-year basis.

While advance bookings are generally in line with last year, the Company is taking these additional steps in light of the uncertain economic environment, ongoing high fuel costs and to ensure it runs a reliable schedule for its customers given additional pilot retirements it anticipates throughout the fourth quarter.

With these latest moves, American expects full year 2011 capacity to be up about 0.4 percent year-over-year for mainline and consolidated capacity will be up approximately 1.2 percent. The Company's initial plan, announced in January, called for full year mainline capacity to increase and consolidated capacity to increase by more than 3 and 4 percent respectively.

757 Retirements

In October, American also announced plans to retire up to 11 Boeing 757s in 2012. The retirements will result in maintenance and fuel cost savings.

These results reflect the adverse impact of quarter-end volatility in WTI crude oil prices and foreign

Source: AA