Author: Mintel Group Ltd.
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Airlines - US - July 2016
Overview
 
What you need to know
The US airline industry is enjoying a nearly unprecedented stretch of success, with 2015 profits nearly triple those of 2014. Low fuel prices and relatively strong demand indicate that 2016 will show similar results. The share of Americans taking to the skies has remained unchanged for the past five years, even as passenger counts hit new record highs. This means that a smaller, select group of travelers are flying with greater frequency. Despite industry consolidation, competition for these frequent flyers continues to heat up as major carriers develop new services and restructure loyalty programs to benefit these top-tier flyers

Definition
For the purposes of this Report, Mintel considers airlines as US-based air carriers operating both domestically and internationally. Cargo/freight airlines and unscheduled/chartered passenger flights are not included in the scope of this Report.

The market size included in this Report covers domestic air carriers with annual operating revenues of at least $20 million. Operating revenues considered include:

●	Airfares
●	Baggage fees
●	Reservation change fees
●	Transport-related revenue – revenues from incidental services, including in-flight onboard sales (food, liquor, pillows, etc); code share revenues; and revenues from associated businesses, such as aircraft maintenance, fuel sales, restaurants, etc
●	Miscellaneous operating revenue – including fees for pet transportation; sale of frequent flyer award miles to airline business partners; standby passenger fees, and public service revenues subsidy.

This Report builds on analysis presented in Mintel’s Airlines – US, August 2014 and the August 2012, June 2011, and May 2010 reports of the same title.

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