AMR Net for Quarter Is Highest in Firm’s History

The United Airlines pilot strike that ended in July helped American Airlines and PSA boost net earnings and revenues to new heights during the second quarter ended June 30.

AMR, parent company of American Airlines, reported the highest second-quarter net earnings in the company’s history.

AMR posted income of $173.9 million for the quarter, up from $71.4 million a year earlier.

During the latest quarter, American had a 32.1% increase in revenue passenger miles flown--one mile per paying passenger.

The company credited its Ultimate Super Saver fares, a strong economy and the strike at United for the increase.

Second-quarter revenue increased 24% to $1.69 billion from $1.36 billion in the same period a year ago.

PSA reported that its second-quarter profit rose 130% from a year earlier, citing recent employee wage concessions and the United strike. PSA said net income totaled $7.6 million, up from $3.3 million a year earlier. That was the airline’s third-best quarter, a PSA spokesman said.

The United strike helped PSA offset some of the costs associated with the airline’s fleet expansion program, President and Chief Executive Paul C. Barkley said.