United Continental Holdings reported September 2011 operational results

United Continental Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: UAL) today reported September 2011 operational results for United Air Lines, Inc. and Continental Airlines, Inc.

United and Continental’s combined consolidated traffic (revenue passenger miles) in September 2011 decreased 1.7 percent versus pro forma September 2010 results on a combined consolidated capacity (available seat miles) decrease of 1.0 percent. The carriers’ combined consolidated load factor in September 2011 decreased 0.5 points compared to the pro forma results from the same period last year.

United and Continental’s September 2011 combined consolidated and mainline passenger revenue per available seat mile (PRASM) increased an estimated 11.0 to 12.0 percent and 10.5 to 11.5 percent, respectively, as compared to the pro forma results from September 2010. As with June 2011 results, the impact of the trans-Atlantic joint venture revenue-sharing agreement, which is accounted for as Passenger Revenue and for the third quarter is entirely recorded in the month of September, reduced the company’s September 2011 year-over-year PRASM growth. While this agreement became effective Jan. 1, 2010, the company finalized the agreement in the fourth quarter of 2010 and recorded all related activity as Other Operating Expense. Therefore, the 2010 revenue results do not reflect the negative impact of the joint venture obligation. Adjusting for the impact of the trans-Atlantic joint venture-related revenue adjustment in September 2010, the company estimates September 2011 consolidated PRASM increased approximately 13.0 to 14.0 percent year-over-year.