American Airlines reported growth in its corporate share in
the second quarter, as mainline passenger revenues increased 7.5 percent year
over year to $7.7 billion.
In the carrier's earnings call on Friday, executives said
American's nascent Premium Economy cabin, which sells on average $400 above the
standard economy seating, has been one draw for corporate business. It
currently is available on only a few aircraft, but American will retrofit
through 2018 most wide-body aircraft for international flights.
American also is expanding its Basic
Economy fares, now being sold in 78 markets. By the end of September,
American expects the fares will be available across its domestic network.
Total traffic increased 2.1 percent, and capacity increased
1.4 percent, pushing load factor up 0.5 percentage points to 83 percent. Yield
increased 4.3 percent year over year.
American reported net income of $803 million for
the quarter, down from $950 million in the second quarter of 2016.