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May 2020 U.S. Airline Traffic Data

U.S. airlines carried 8.4 million systemwide (domestic and international) scheduled service passengers in May 2020, unadjusted, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics’ (BTS), down 89.6% from May 2019.

Annual Rise in U.S. Airlines June Cargo (Over 9%) Largest Increase Since January 2018

U.S. airlines carried 9.4% more cargo by weight in June 2020 than in June 2019, the largest annual gain since January 2018 fueled by a gain of almost 14% in domestic cargo. A 3.6% decline in international cargo was the smallest annual loss since November 2019, according to preliminary data filed with the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) by 13 of the leading cargo airlines.

 

The 13 airlines carry more than 90% of the total cargo by weight on U.S. airlines. Cargo data consists of freight and mail carried within the U.S. and between the U.S. and foreign points.

June 2020 Freight Transportation Services Index (TSI)

The Freight Transportation Services Index (TSI), which is based on the amount of freight carried by the for-hire transportation industry, rose 0.9% in June from May, rising for the second consecutive month, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics’ (BTS). From June 2019 to June 2020, the index fell 7.6% compared to a rise of 1.2% from June 2018 to June 2019 and a rise of 8.7% from June 2017 to June 2018 (Tables 1, 2, and 2A).

U.S. Airline June 2020 Passengers Decrease 80% from June 2019 but Rise 93% from May 2020 (Preliminary)

U.S. airlines carried 80% fewer scheduled service passengers in June 2020 than in June 2019, according to preliminary data filed with the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) by 20 airlines that carry more than 90% of the passengers. Despite the large annual drop from pre-pandemic numbers a year earlier (see graphic), when compared to the previous month U.S. airlines carried almost twice as many passengers (93% more) in June 2020 than in May 2020.

 

The 80% decline was less than the annual decrease than in both April (96%) or May (90%).