The Air Transport Association (ATA) reports that passenger revenue, based on a sample group of U.S. air carriers, fell 15 percent in October 2009 versus the same month in 2008.

This marks the 12th consecutive month in which passenger revenue has declined from the prior year, fueled primarily by the 11th consecutive month of ticket price declines.
 
Three percent fewer passengers traveled on U.S. airlines in October, while the average price to fly one mile fell 13.5 percent. Passenger revenue declines extended beyond the domestic U.S., particularly in trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific markets.
 
“With U.S. unemployment surpassing 10 percent in October, these results for air travel demand come as little surprise. Economic conditions suggest that pressure to generate revenue will remain intense for the foreseeable future,” said ATA President and CEO James C. May.
 
Also reflecting a weak global economy is the continued decline in cargo traffic. U.S. airlines saw cargo revenue ton miles decline three percent year over year (two percent domestically and four percent internationally) in September 2009, the 14th consecutive month of declining volumes.