MEDIA RELEASE / PRNewswire

With an eye on accelerating its plan to expand service in Asia and other markets, Hawaiian Airlines has announced the purchase of an additional Airbus A330-200 scheduled for delivery in the second quarter of 2011.

With this announcement, Hawaiian is now acquiring 10 new A330s with purchase rights available for five additional aircraft. The first three A330s to join Hawaiian’s fleet are scheduled to arrive in April, May and November of this year.

Mark Dunkerley, Hawaiian’s president and CEO, said, “Good financial performance has positioned us well to seize the opportunities to grow our business. The A330 is the right aircraft for our customers and our bottom line and acquiring this additional aircraft will allow us to better capitalize on improving demand as the economic recovery gets underway.”

Hawaiian’s firm commitments for the A330 deliveries to date are as follows:

* April 2010 — Lease
* May 2010 — Lease
* November 2010 — Lease
* 2nd Qtr 2011 — Firm Order
* 1st Qtr 2012 — Firm Order
* 2nd Qtr 2012 — Firm Order
* 1st Qtr 2013 — Firm Order
* 2nd Qtr 2013 — Firm Order
* 2nd Qtr 2013 — Firm Order
* 1st Qtr 2014 — Firm Order

Like the other A330s that Hawaiian is acquiring, this newest aircraft will carry more passengers, fly farther, and be more fuel-efficient than the company’s existing widebody fleet of B767s.

Hawaiian’s new A330s will seat 294 passengers – 30 more than its current fleet – in a two-class configuration and have an operating range of 6,050 nautical miles that would allow Hawaiian to fly nonstop between Hawaii and points in eastern Asia and all of North America.

A highlight of Hawaiian’s A330s will be the state-of-the-art on-demand entertainment system installed in each seatback. A high-resolution LCD touch screen monitor will allow passengers to choose from a wide selection of movies and video programs, audio channels and video games. Each system will also include a USB port allowing passengers to connect their own media players.

Passengers sitting in First Class will enjoy the added benefits of having a larger monitor and iPOD compatibility.

In 2017, Hawaiian will continue to expand its fleet by taking the first delivery of six new A350XWB-800 (Extra Wide Body) aircraft from Airbus, with options to purchase an additional six aircraft.

The next-generation fuel-efficient A350s will seat 322 passengers in a two-class configuration and have a range of 8,300 nautical miles that would allow Hawaiian to fly nonstop between Hawaii and Asia, Australasia, the Americas, and Europe.

MEDIA RELEASE / PRNewswire

Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: HA) (“Holdings” or the “Company”), parent company of Hawaiian Airlines, Inc. (“Hawaiian”), has reported consolidated net income for the three months ended Dec. 31, 2009 of $35.0 million, or $0.66 per diluted share, on total operating revenue of $297.0 million.

Results for the period include a non-cash one-time tax benefit of approximately $25 million to partially reverse the Company’s tax valuation allowance. This result compares with a net loss of $11.9 million, or $0.23 per diluted share, on total operating revenue of $300.5 million for the three months ended Dec. 31, 2008. The Company’s operating income of $16.1 million for the three months ended Dec. 31, 2009 compares with $38.1 million in the prior year period.

For the full year 2009, the Company reported consolidated net income of $116.7 million, or $2.22 per diluted share, on total operating revenue of $1.183 billion, including non-recurring tax credits of approximately $40 million. This result compares with net income of $28.6 million, or $0.57 per diluted share, on total operating revenue of $1.211 billion for the full year 2008. The Company’s operating income of $107.5 million for the full year 2009 compares with $91.9 million in 2008.

Combining the fourth quarter tax benefit with the tax benefits realized in the first three quarters of 2009 of approximately $15 million related to the adoption of various tax accounting charges, the Company realized total tax benefits of approximately $40 million for the year.

Excluding these one-time adjustments, net income would have been $10.0 million or $0.19 per diluted share for the fourth quarter, and $76.7 million or $1.46 per diluted share for 2009.

“2009 was a remarkable year for our company,” said Mark Dunkerley, the Company’s president and chief executive officer. “With lower fuel prices and the hard work of everyone at Hawaiian Airlines, we overcame the effects of an economic recession and the attentions of a new entrant on our interisland routes to post our company’s best ever results. By almost every financial and operational measure, Hawaiian was the most successful of all airlines serving Hawaii in 2009.

“There are many to thank for this singular achievement but highest on the list are the employees who deliver an unmatched level of customer service, day in and day out,” Dunkerley said. “Much work needs to be done to ensure that our 2009 results become the norm throughout the business cycle. This will remain management’s focus as we continue to build Hawaiian to the benefit of our customers, shareholders and the communities we serve.”.

Fourth Quarter Financial Results

The Company reported operating income of $16.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2009 compared with $38.1 million in the prior year period.

Fourth quarter 2009 operating revenue was $297.0 million, a 1.2% decrease compared with the fourth quarter of 2008. Capacity for the quarter decreased 0.5% year over year to 2.4 billion available seat miles (ASMs), resulting in operating revenue per ASM (RASM) of 12.47 cents, down 0.7% from 12.55 cents in the fourth quarter a year ago.

Fourth quarter passenger load factor increased to 84.4% from 80.4% in the same period a year ago. Passenger yield (passenger revenue per revenue passenger mile) decreased 7.2% to 12.96 cents from 13.96 cents in the fourth quarter of 2008.

Total operating expenses for the fourth quarter of 2009 increased 7.1% year over year to $280.9 million, resulting in an operating cost per available seat mile (CASM) of 11.79 cents, up 7.6% versus the same period a year ago. Excluding fuel, fourth quarter CASM increased 15.1% to 8.83 cents versus 7.67 cents for the same period a year ago.

Aircraft fuel costs decreased 10.5% year over year in the fourth quarter to $70.6 million and represented 25.1% of operating expenses. Hawaiian’s average cost per gallon of jet fuel decreased 10.7% year over year in the fourth quarter to $2.08 (including taxes and delivery).

The financial impact of hedging activities is included in non-operating income/expenses, and as such is not reflected in fuel expense. Non-operating expenses in the fourth quarter reflect $0.5 million in net gains from Hawaiian’s fuel hedging activity.

The Company believes that economic fuel expense is the best measure of the effect of fuel prices on its business as it most closely approximates the net cash outflow associated with the purchase of fuel for its operations in a period.

The Company defines economic fuel expense as GAAP fuel expense plus (gains)/losses realized through actual cash (receipts)/payments received from or paid to hedge counterparties for fuel hedge derivative contracts settled during the period.

For the three months ended Dec. 31, 2009, economic fuel expense was $69.7 million ($2.05 per gallon), compared with $92.3 million ($2.72 per gallon) in the prior year period.

Hawaiian’s year over year increase in Wages and Benefits of $11.1 million reflects increased pension and other benefits costs and higher year over year expenses for variable compensation. Aircraft Rent decreased $4.4 million compared with the fourth quarter of 2008.

During the fourth quarter of 2008 Aircraft Rent included $3.4 million of supplemental rent expense related to certain of the Company’s leases. Maintenance Materials and Repairs increased $9.5 million compared with the fourth quarter of 2008 primarily as a result of higher airframe and engine overhaul expenses for the 767 fleet. Commissions and Other Selling Expenses increased year over year by $6.6 million.

During the prior year period, Commission and Other Selling expenses benefited from a reduction in the valuation of the Company’s frequent flyer liabilities as a result of a revision of estimated breakage of frequent flyer miles.

Fourth quarter 2009 non-operating expense totaled $2.8 million, compared with $33.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2008. During the fourth quarter of 2008 the Company recorded a significant loss on its fuel hedge positions as a result of the decline in crude oil prices during that period and recognized an impairment expense related to certain investment assets.

During the fourth quarter of 2009 the Company recognized non-operating income totaling $0.5 million related to fuel hedging activities compared with non-operating losses of $21.3 million during the prior year period.

During the fourth quarter of 2009, fuel hedging expenses included $0.9 million of realized gains on derivative contracts settling in the quarter, the reversal of $0.6 million of previously recorded gains on these same contracts, and $0.1 million in unrealized gains related to fuel derivative contracts settling in future periods.

Fourth Quarter Highlights

* Net income of $35.0 million, or $0.66 per diluted share

* Excluding non-recurring income tax credits, non-GAAP net income was $10.0 million, or $0.19 per diluted share

* Operating income of $16.1 million

* Unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $301.8 million at Dec. 31, 2009

* Hawaiian reinforced its years-long ranking as the #1 carrier for on-time performance in the U.S. Department of Transportation Air Travel Consumer Reports for October and November 2009 (December pending) 2009 Full Year Highlights;

* Net income of $116.7 million, or $2.22 per diluted share

* Excluding non-recurring income tax credits, non-GAAP net income was $76.7 million, or $1.46 per diluted share

* Operating income of $107.5 million

* Hawaiian sets record with 8.3 million passengers in 2009

* Hawaiian was rated the nation’s #1 carrier for service quality and performance for 2008 in the 19th annual Airline Quality Rating study

2009 Full Year Financial Results

For the full year 2009, the Company reported operating income of $107.5 million compared with $91.9 million for the full year 2008. Operating income during 2008 included the benefit of a $52.5 million litigation settlement.

Full year 2009 operating revenue was $1.183 billion, a 2.3% decrease compared with full year 2008. Capacity for the year increased 2.2% year over year to 9.7 billion available seat miles (ASMs), resulting in operating revenue per ASM (RASM) of 12.18 cents, down 4.4% from 12.73 cents in 2008. Load factor increased to 83.9% from 82.6% in 2008. Passenger yield (passenger revenue per revenue passenger mile) decreased 9.5% to 12.77 cents from 14.10 cents in 2008.

Total operating expenses for 2009 decreased 3.9% year over year to $1.076 billion. Operating cost per available seat mile (CASM) was 11.07 cents, down 10.1% versus 2008 excluding the aforementioned litigation settlement. Excluding fuel and the litigation settlement, full year 2009 CASM increased 8.9% to 8.56 cents compared with 7.86 cents in 2008.

For the full year of 2009, non-operating expense totaled $10.3 million, compared with $38.7 million in full year 2008. The reduction in non-operating expenses is primarily attributable to a reduction in fuel hedge expenses. During 2009, the Company recognized non-operating income totaling $2.3 million related to fuel hedging activities compared to non-operating losses of $16.1 million during 2008.

In full year 2009, fuel hedging expenses include $9.6 million of realized losses on derivative contracts settling in the year, the reversal of $11.6 million of previously recorded losses on these same contracts, and $0.2 million in unrealized gains related to fuel derivative contracts settling in future periods.

Liquidity, Capital Resources and Fuel Hedging

As of December 31, 2009 the Company had:

* Unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $301.8 million, and $25.7 million in restricted cash
* $81.3 million outstanding under two term loan facilities, $99.4 million outstanding under floating rate notes issued in conjunction with the acquisition of three Boeing 767-300 ER aircraft in December 2006, and additional notes payable of $27.7 million
* $45.1 million of capital lease obligations primarily associated with four 717-200 aircraft

MEDIA RELEASE

Hawaiian Airlines and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers – Clerical Division (IAM-C) have announced the union’s membership has ratified the negotiated agreement on a new four-year contract by a 75 percent vote.

The new contract provides IAM-C’s membership – Hawaiian’s largest single work group – with increased compensation, while also allowing for operational improvements that benefit the company.

Mark Dunkerley, Hawaiian’s president and CEO, said, “Like the other labor agreements we have reached, this contract will improve the standard of living for our employees while helping to improve operating efficiency for the company.”

Randy Kauhane, IAM assistant general manager, District Lodge 141, said, “In these uncertain economic times, we are pleased our members have a new contract in place that will keep them secure for the next four years. We appreciate all the efforts made by our negotiating committee and Hawaiian in reaching this agreement that benefits all parties involved.”

IAM-C represents 1,245 employees at Hawaiian in a wide range of positions, encompassing airport customer service, ramp, reservations, schedule planning, purchasing, records, and crew scheduling.

Hawaiian has reached similar agreements with its pilots’ union, the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), flight attendants’ union, the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA-CWA), and dispatchers’ union, the Transport Workers Union (TWU). Hawaiian is continuing to work with its IAM – Mechanics Division on a new agreement, its last remaining work group in contract negotiations.

MEDIA RELEASE

Hawaiian Airlines has announced the appointment of Beryl Fajardo to the company’s newly created position of director of leadership development and training.

Beryl Fajardo

Fajardo is primarily responsible for developing a strategic leadership curriculum that helps to strengthen the overall capabilities of management and supports the company’s business objectives. She is working with Hawaiian’s senior management team and collaborating with learning and development organizations to create and implement programs that help improve Hawaiian’s business operations.

“Beryl brings to Hawaiian a high level of expertise in management and corporate training that will help us become more efficient with our operations and provide more opportunities for professional growth within the company,” said Barbara Falvey, senior vice president of human resources for Hawaiian.

Fajardo comes to Hawaiian after spending 27 years in positions specializing in management training and employee professional development for high-tech companies in California’s Silicon Valley.

She most recently worked at Cisco Systems in San Jose for the last nine years, where she held the position of senior manager of leadership development.

A proponent of life-long learning, Fajardo is an alumnus of San Jose State University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in social services in 1980 and a Masters of Arts degree in instructional technology in 1993. She went on to earn a doctorate in education from the University of Southern California in 2002.

MEDIA RELEASE

Hawaiian Airlines has introduced a short-term fare promotion giving travelers even more incentive to book a trip this winter.

The “Secret Island” getaway fares promotion offers a special e-certificate discount online that can be applied when booking a round trip in either direction between any of Hawaiian’s 10 gateway cities in the Western U.S. and Kauai, Maui, the Big Island, or Oahu.

The special offer will apply to each island on a rotating basis for a limited time, so travelers must check Hawaiian’s website daily to learn which island is being featured.

The “Secret Island” e-certificate can be used to compound the savings of Hawaiian’s current promotional fares online, but travel using the e-certificate discount must be completed by March 11, 2010.

“These are great values that won’t last long so people should watch our website to see when they can take full advantage of the savings on flights to or from their favorite island,” said Glenn Taniguchi, Hawaiian’s senior vice president of marketing and sales.

Hawaiian will provide updates about the special fares and discounts via Twitter (@FlyHawaiian) and on its Facebook page, www.facebook.com/flyhawaiian. Visit www.hawaiianair.com

MEDIA RELEASE

Agreement improves pay, retirement and scheduling flexibility

HONOLULU – Hawaiian Airlines pilots represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) have ratified a tentative contract agreement, the latest sign that the airline industry and the piloting profession are recovering from the bankruptcy doldrums of the past decade.

Ninety percent of the HAL pilots eligible to vote cast ballots, with 83 percent of the group voting in favor of the agreement – a more than four-to-one margin.

“This contract is a win-win for our members as well as the airline,” said Capt. Eric Sampson, chairman of ALPA’s HAL Master Executive Council. “It rewards our pilots for their repeated sacrifices over the years on behalf of Hawaiian, and positions our company for future success well into this new decade. We’re looking forward to working with management to upgrade our fleet and expand our aloha spirit across the Pacific, and we would like to thank the people of Hawaii for their strong support during our lengthy negotiations.”

The 68-month agreement will give pilots pay increases of between four and six percent immediately, and total increases of between 15 and 22 percent over the term of the contract.

The agreement also increases the company contribution to the pilots’ retirement plans, provides HAL management more flexibility in pilot training and scheduling, and allows Hawaiian to acquire or code share with a turboprop feeder airline, provided the feeder carrier does not compete with HAL’s existing inter-island turbojet operation.

ALPA’s previous contract with Hawaiian was ratified in 2005 to help the airline emerge from bankruptcy. It became amendable on June 30, 2007 and the pilots have been in negotiations for almost three years.

“The substantial gains in this contract confirm the favorable patterns for pay, benefits and work rules that are long overdue for pilots,” said ALPA President Capt. John Prater. “The Hawaiian agreement is a success story that proves a strong and unified pilot group working together can take charge of their destiny and move both themselves and their airline forward. ALPA sincerely appreciates the valuable assistance provided by the National Mediation Board in reaching a settlement.”

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the world’s largest pilot union, representing more than 53,000 pilots at 37 airlines in the United States and Canada. Visit the ALPA website at www.alpa.org

MEDIA RELEASE

Hawaiian Airlines ranked as the nation’s most reliable carrier in November finishing first in both on-time performance and fewest flight cancellations, according to the monthly Air Travel Consumer Report issued Jan. 7 by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Hawaiian led the industry in on-time performance with 93.3 percent of its flights arriving as scheduled in November, while earning the top score for fewest cancelled flights at 0.1 percent, or only five cancellations out of 5,661 total flights during the month.

Hawaiian also recorded the second-highest ranking among all carriers for baggage handling in November, reporting 1.69 mishandled baggage reports for every 1,000 passengers served.

Hawaiian is the nation’s largest provider of air service to Hawaii from the Western U.S., as well as the leading carrier for interisland service between the islands of Hawaii.

The DOT report covers 19 airlines, including nine carriers providing service to Hawaii, and isavailable online at airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/reports/atcr10.htm

MEDIA RELEASE

Hawaiian Pilots Open Voting on Tentative Contract Agreement

HONOLULU – Voting opened today on a proposed new contract for 436 Hawaiian Airlines pilots, as union leaders said they had accomplished all of their goals of fair pay, retirement security and quality of life for the pilot group.

Online voting for the tentative agreement, which was hammered out with the assistance of the National Mediation Board after a final, grueling two-week negotiation session last month, will continue until January 14, said Capt. Eric Sampson, chairman of the HAL Master Executive Council of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA).

“When we sat down at the bargaining table in the spring of 2007, we were committed to winning fair but affordable cost-of-living raises, protecting our work rules and stabilizing our members’ retirement plans,” Sampson said. “Thanks to a lot of hard work and the unwavering support of our members, we are now on the verge of completing our three-year journey to an outstanding new contract.”

The five-year, eight-month agreement includes pay raises of up to 20.6 percent over the duration of the contract, plus profit sharing. Company retirement contributions would increase to 19.4 percent per year for pilots whose pensions were frozen and replaced with a defined contribution plan when Hawaiian exited bankruptcy in 2005.

The agreement also allows Hawaiian to acquire or code share with an interisland turboprop feeder carrier, but only if the airline agrees to significant restrictions designed to protect the jobs of HAL’s existing interisland aviators, who fly Boeing 717 jet aircraft.

“This is an industry-leading agreement that will make our members among the best-paid pilots among their peers and give them the major-airline status that is consistent the world-class airline that they helped create,” Sampson said. “The ALPA leadership unanimously endorses the tentative agreement and we encourage every Hawaiian pilot to vote yes.”

More than 150 Hawaiian pilots have already attended road shows in Honolulu where ALPA negotiators briefed them on the details of the agreement. Additional road shows will be held soon in Honolulu and Seattle.

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the world’s largest pilot union, representing more than 53,000 pilots at 37 airlines in the United States and Canada. Visit the ALPA website at www.alpa.org.

MEDIA RELEASE

Hawaiian Airlines and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) have announced a tentative agreement on a new five-year contract that would provide increased compensation for Hawaiian’s pilots as well as operational improvements for the company.

Mark Dunkerley, Hawaiian’s president and CEO, said, “We are pleased to have reached this agreement with ALPA during such challenging times in our industry. This agreement will provide Hawaiian’s pilots an outstanding pay and benefits package while also addressing some of the operational issues that are important to the company. We believe this agreement recognizes the important contributions of our pilots while allowing Hawaiian to continue to grow and add jobs.”

Eric Sampson, chairman of ALPA’s Master Executive Council at Hawaiian, said, “We believe this is a positive agreement for our membership. We are pleased to have been able to achieve improvements in both pay and retirement for our members and our MEC and Negotiating Committee support the agreement.”

The tentative agreement covers 418 pilots at Hawaiian. The agreement is subject to ratification by union members, who are expected to vote on the proposal in the coming weeks.

Hawaiian has reached similar agreements that have been ratified by its flight attendants and its dispatchers, and recently reached a tentative agreement with its airport customer service personnel.

MEDIA RELEASE

Hawaiian Airlines has announced a special fare sale for roundtrip travel on nonstop trans-Pacific flights between Hawaii and its 10 gateway cities on the U.S. mainland starting in January, with savings up to 25 percent.

To take advantage of the discounts, tickets must be purchased by Dec. 16, for travel from Jan. 5 through June 10, 2010, excluding the period of March 12 through April 5.

“Winter and spring is a great time to vacation in Hawaii and these special low fares speak to the value that is available throughout Hawaii’s visitor industry for those wanting to get away and enjoy the warmth of our islands,” said Glenn Taniguchi, Hawaiian’s senior vice president of marketing and sales.

Hawaiian’s special roundtrip fares between Hawaii and the U.S. mainland are as follows:

Tickets can be purchased online, through any professional travel agent, or by calling Hawaiian’s reservations toll-free at 1-800-367-5320. The special fares are not available on all seats and are subject to applicable taxes and fees.

— Find out more:

www.hawaiianair.com

MEDIA RELEASE

Hawaiian Airlines and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers – Clerical Division (IAM-C) have announced a tentative agreement on a new four-year contract that would provide increased compensation for Hawaiian’s largest single work group as well as operational improvements for the company.

Mark Dunkerley, Hawaiian’s president and CEO, said, “One of our core objectives at Hawaiian is to find ways to improve the standard of living of our employees, and we are pleased to have achieved this with the IAM during what continues to be a challenging time in our economy. The ability to work collaboratively with the IAM in addressing the needs of their members along with those of the company in addressing the economic and competitive realities we collectively face has enabled us to forge this mutually beneficial agreement.”

Randy Kauhane, IAM assistant general chairman, District Lodge 141, said, “On behalf of the negotiating committee, we believe this is a positive agreement for our membership. Given the current economic conditions, this four-year agreement gives our members a fair and equitable contract they can be proud of. We recommend they review it carefully and vote for it.”

The tentative agreement covers 1,245 employees in airport customer service, ramp, reservations, schedule planning, purchasing, records and crew scheduling positions at Hawaiian.

The agreement is subject to ratification by union members, who are expected to vote on the proposal in the coming weeks.

Hawaiian has reached similar agreements with its flight attendants’ union, the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA-CWA) and its dispatchers’ union, the Transport Workers Union (TWU). The pilots’ representatives are in negotiations this week.

Rate of Flight Delays Increases in October

The winglets will make the Boeing 767-300 jets more efficient and environmentally friendly. (Photo special to Hawaii 24/7 by Damian Balinowski, Hawaiian Airlines)

Flights operated by the nation’s largest airlines arrived on time at a lower rate this past October than in either October of last year or in September 2009, according to the Air Travel Consumer Report released today by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).

According to information filed with the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), a part of DOT’s Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA), the 19 carriers reporting on-time performance recorded an overall on-time arrival rate of 77.3 percent in October, a lower rate than both October 2008’s 86.0 percent and September 2009’s 86.2 percent.

The monthly report also includes data on lengthy tarmac delays, flight cancellations and the causes of flight delays by the reporting carriers, as well as reports of mishandled baggage filed with the carriers, and consumer service, disability and discrimination complaints received by DOT’s Aviation Consumer Protection Division. This report also includes reports of incidents involving pets traveling by air, as required to be filed by U.S. carriers.

Cancellations

The consumer report includes BTS data on the number of domestic flights canceled by the reporting carriers. In October, the carriers canceled 1.0 percent of their scheduled domestic flights, higher than the 0.6 percent cancellation rate posted in both October 2008 and September 2009.

Tarmac Delays

In October, the carriers filing on-time performance data reported that .002 percent of their scheduled flights had tarmac delays of three hours or more, up from .001 percent in
September. There were no flights with tarmac delay of four hours or more in October.

Causes of Flight Delays

In October, the carriers filing on-time performance data reported that 8.52 percent of their flights were delayed by aviation system delays, compared to 4.92 percent in September; 7.20 percent by late-arriving aircraft, compared to 3.88 percent in September; 5.26 percent by factors within the airline’s control, such as maintenance or crew problems, compared to 3.89 percent in September; 0.52 percent by extreme weather, compared to 0.37 percent in September; and 0.03 percent for security reasons, compared to 0.02 percent in September. Weather is a factor in both the extreme-weather category and the aviation-system category. This includes delays due to the re-routing of flights by DOT’s Federal Aviation Administration in consultation with the carriers involved. Weather is also a factor in delays attributed to late-arriving aircraft, although airlines do not report specific causes in that category.

Data collected by BTS also show the percentage of late flights delayed by weather, including those reported in either the category of extreme weather or included in National Aviation System delays. In October, 41.14 percent of late flights were delayed by weather, up 19.28 percent from October 2008, when 34.49 percent of late flights were delayed by weather, and up 18.94 percent from September when 34.59 percent of late flights were delayed by weather.

Detailed information on flight delays and their causes is available on the BTS site on the World Wide Web at www.bts.gov.

Mishandled Baggage

The U.S. carriers reporting flight delays and mishandled baggage data posted a mishandled baggage rate of 3.48 reports per 1,000 passengers in October, an improvement over October 2008’s rate of 3.55 but higher than September 2009’s 3.01 rate.

Incidents Involving Pets

In October, carriers reported no incidents involving the loss, death or injury of pets while traveling by air, down from the total of three reports filed in October 2008 and four in September 2009.

Complaints About Airline Service

In October, the Department received 896 complaints about airline service from consumers, up 42.4 percent from the 629 complaints filed in October 2008 and 48.3 percent more than the total of 604 received in September 2009. The increase in the number of October complaints is attributed primarily to British Airways’ erroneous offer of $40 fares between the United States and India. The carrier has agreed to compensate consumers for cancellation penalties and other expenses incurred due to the mistake.

Complaints About Treatment of Disabled Passengers

The report also contains a tabulation of complaints filed with DOT in October against airlines regarding the treatment of passengers with disabilities. The Department received a total of 52 disability-related complaints in October, up from both the 41 complaints filed in October 2008 and the 28 complaints received in September 2009.

Complaints About Discrimination

In October, the Department received 10 complaints alleging discrimination by airlines due to factors other than disability – such as race, religion, national origin or sex – the same total recorded in October 2008 and down from the total of 11 received in September 2009.
Consumers may file their complaints in writing with the Aviation Consumer Protection Division, U.S. Department of Transportation, C-75, W96-432, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20590; by voice mail at (202) 366-2220 or by TTY at (202) 366-0511; or on the web at airconsumer.ost.dot.gov.

Consumers who want on-time performance data for specific flights should call their airline’s reservation number or their travel agent. This information is available on the computerized reservation systems used by these agents.

The Air Travel Consumer Report can be found on DOT’s World Wide Web site at airconsumer.ost.dot.gov. It is available in “pdf” and Microsoft Word format.

Facts

Air Travel Consumer Report
October 2009

Key on-time performance and flight cancellation statistics based on data filed with the Bureau of Transportation statistics by the 19 reporting carriers

Overall

77.3 percent on-time arrivals

Highest On-Time Arrival Rates
Hawaiian Airlines – 93.4 percent
Alaska Airlines – 85.8 percent
JetBlue Airways – 82.9 percent

Lowest On-Time Arrival Rates
Northwest Airlines – 69.3 percent
Atlantic Southeast Airlines – 71.6 percent
ExpressJet Airlines – 72.6 percent

Most Frequently Delayed Flights
1. Southwest Airlines flight 3545 from Phoenix to Sacramento, CA – late 95.45 percent of the time
2. Southwest Airlines flight 1366 from Chicago Midway to Minneapolis-St. Paul – late 92.31 percent of the time
3. Southwest Airlines flight 2544 from Phoenix to Los Angeles – late 92.31 percent of the time
4. Comair flight 6352 from Houston to New York JFK – late 90.32 percent of the time
5. Pinnacle Airlines flight 4285 from Sioux Falls, SD to Minneapolis-St. Paul – late 90.00 percent of the time

Flights with Longest Tarmac Delays
There were no flights with tarmac delay of four hours or more in October.

Highest Rates of Canceled Flights
1. Pinnacle Airlines – 2.3 percent
2. American Eagle Airlines – 2.3 percent
3. Mesa Airlines – 2.1 percent

Lowest Rates of Canceled Flights
Hawaiian Airlines – 0.0 percent*
Continental Airlines – 0.2 percent
JetBlue Airways – 0.3 percent
*Hawaiian Airlines canceled three flights in October