Southwest Airlines flew 8.7 billion revenue passenger miles (RPMs) in February 2017, an increase of 1.1 percent from the 8.6 billion RPMs flown in February 2016. Available seat miles (ASMs) increased 1.2 percent to 11.0 billion in February 2017, compared with February 2016 ASMs of 10.9 billion. The February 2017 load factor was 79.0 percent, which was flat compared with February 2016. Based on these results and current trends, the Company now estimates its first quarter 2017 operating revenue per ASM (RASM) will decline in the two to three percent range, as compared with first quarter 2016. A better-than-expected February trip completion rate and the loss of traffic from the heavy rainfall in California are contributing factors to this revised RASM outlook. In addition, there was unexpected softness in close-in demand in the second half of February that has since rebounded in March. Bookings and unit revenue trends beyond first quarter 2017 remain encouraging.
Southwest Airlines reports February traffic
