Earlier today, American Airlines released its Q3 Financial Results. During the third quarter, the world's largest airline reported total operating revenues of $13.5 billion, its highest ever.

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Record-breaking Q3

American Airlines was the last of the 'big three' US carriers to publish its Q3 financial report. Like Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, American reported one of the highest operating revenues ever in a quarter.

Q3 2022 was a record-breaking quarter for America, with results 13% higher than Q3 2019. American achieved record revenue even though its capacity is almost 10% below 2019 levels.

American Airlines Boeing 787-8 landing
Photo: Boeing

Robert Isom, American's CEO, said,

"The American Airlines team continues to deliver on our goals of running a reliable operation and returning to profitability. Demand remains strong and it's clear that customers in the U.S. and other parts of the world continue to value air travel and the ability to reconnect post-pandemic. American has the youngest, most fuel-efficient fleet among U.S. network carriers and we are well-positioned for the future because of the incredible efforts of our team."

Here is a breakdown of American's revenues in Q3:

  • $12.4 billion - passenger revenue (including mileage credit redemption and ancillary fees)
  • $279 million - cargo revenue
  • $787 million - other revenue (AAdvantage affinity card program and other partners and airport lounges)

Expenses amounted to $12.5 billion:

  • $3.8 billion - fuel and taxes
  • $3.4 billion - employee wages
  • $1.2 billion - regional carrier expenses
  • $685 million - maintenance
  • $710 million - airport facility rent and landing fees
  • $347 million - aircraft lease
  • $495 million - selling expenses
  • $491 million - depreciation and amortization (using aircraft, spare parts, and ground equipment)
  • $1.4 billion - other expenses (crew hotels, catering, ground handling, and $37 million of mainline operating net special charges)

American's total operating income for the quarter was $935 million, but after taxes and other non-operational expenses, its net income was $478 million.

During the third quarter, American and its numerous regional operators flew more than 500,000 flights. Its schedule was more than 25% larger than its closest competitor, measured by total departures. American also had an incredible average load factor of 85.3%, more than 6% higher than in Q3 2021.

Despite natural disasters across the country causing challenges to airline operations, American has restored its reliability to pre-pandemic levels and expects to carry this through to next year.

Recent American Airlines news

As revenues continue to rise and demand increases, airlines are bringing back previously served routes and even introducing new ones. Just this week, American Airlines announced its return to Australia, with nonstop service from Los Angeles to Sydney resuming on October 29.

American Airlines Boeing 777 GRU
Photo: Lukas Souza | Simple Flying

The LAX-SYD flights will be operated by the Boeing 787-9 at first, but the airline will soon alternate between its 777 and 787 fleets to accommodate peak demand. Since the beginning of the pandemic, American's LAX-SYD route has been off and on as a result of low demands, delivery delays, and Australian travel restrictions.

What do you think about American's record Q3? Let us know in the comments!