CASM
Transportation & Travel abbreviation · Aviation
| Stands for | Cost per available seat mile |
|---|---|
| Categories | Transportation & Travel |
CASM stands for Cost per available seat mile, an aviation abbreviation.
Airline unit cost: total operating expenses divided by available seat miles, quoted in cents. Analysts compare CASM, often excluding fuel (CASM-ex), to judge how efficiently airlines operate.
Example: Spirit's CASM is several cents lower than that of the legacy carriers, which lets it profit on very low fares.
Usage notes
The revenue counterpart is RASM (revenue per available seat mile), and an airline earns money when RASM exceeds CASM. Longer flights usually have lower CASM because fixed costs such as takeoffs and landings are spread over more miles, so analysts adjust for stage length when comparing airlines.
Related abbreviations
More aviation abbreviations
- ATIS – Automatic Terminal Information Service
- ATP – Airline transport pilot
- ATPL – Airline transport pilot licence
- AWOS – Automated Weather Observing System
- BFR – Biennial flight review
- BVLOS – Beyond visual line of sight
- CAVOK – Ceiling and visibility OK
- CFI – Certified flight instructor
- CFII – Certified flight instructor - instrument
- CFIT – Controlled flight into terrain
- CPDLC – Controller-pilot data link communications
- CPL – Commercial pilot license