U.S. Airlines Expected To Reduce Capacity in 2013
U.S. airlines will reduce capacity next year to help offset high jet fuel prices, according to Airlines for America. (Photo: Bill Carey)
U.S. airlines will reduce capacity next year to help offset high jet fuel prices, according to Airlines for America. (Photo: Bill Carey)

The association representing major U.S. airlines expects that carriers will scale back capacity early next year, aligning it more closely with passenger demand to offset record high jet fuel prices. Airlines for America (A4A) projects a 2.4-percent reduction in scheduled domestic flights, a 1.3-percent decrease in domestic seats and a 0.1-percent cut in domestic available seat miles (ASMs) in the new year. This year, domestic ASMs rose a modest 0.1 percent over last year’s total seat capacity.