Cargo down, passengers up at American

   As American Airlines continues to prepare for its merger with US Airways, AA Cargo finished the second quarter with $167 million in revenue, a 4.3-percent decline from the same period in 2012.
   Consolidated and mainline passenger revenue hit $5.6 billion and $4.9 billion, respectively, cementing a new second-quarter record for the carrier. These passenger results had a big hand in the company achieving a $262 million year-over-year jump in net profit.
   Cargo revenue yield ended the quarter at 35.57 cents per ton, a 7.1-cent, year over year, decline. Cargo ton miles increased during the quarter by 3.1 percent.
   American’s merger with US Airways is still on track for completion in the third quarter. On July 12, US Airways shareholders approved the merger agreement. Recently, indications were that the U.S. and European governments would approve the deal, but recent reports show American and US Airways offering concessions to gain approval. The European Commission is expected to offer its decision next month.
   “Our teams are keenly focused on developing and implementing a plan to ensure a good result for our customers when we come together as one company,” Beverly Goulet, chief integration officer for American, said in a statement. “Bringing together two airlines is complex work, but our teams are working exceptionally well together toward building the world’s leading airline.”
   US Airways will release its second-quarter results on July 24. – Jon Ross