content_image/1057241.jpg
• Depreciation and amortization per ASM increased 6.6% in 2019 as compared to 2018 due in part to airport and other facility improvements and the harmonization of interior configurations across the mainline fleet. Depreciation associated with aircraft acquired as part of our fleet renewal program also contributed to the increase. 

• Regional aircraft fuel and related taxes per ASM increased 0.3% in 2019 as compared to 2018 primarily due to an 8.3% increase in gallons of fuel consumed, offset in part by a 6.4% decrease in the average price per gallon of fuel including related taxes to $2.15 in 2019 from $2.30 in 2018. 

• Regional other operating expenses per ASM increased 5.3% in 2019 as compared to 2018 primarily driven by an 8.3% increase in regional capacity, principally from our wholly-owned regional carriers. 

## Operating Special Items, Net 

<img src='content_image/1057241.jpg'>

$^{(1)}$ Fleet restructuring expenses principally included accelerated depreciation and rent expense for aircraft and related equipment grounded or expected to be grounded earlier than planned. 

$^{(2)}$ Fleet impairment principally includes a non-cash write-down of aircraft related to the planned retirement of our Embraer E190 fleet. 

$^{(3)}$ Merger integration expenses included costs associated with integration projects, principally our technical operations, flight attendant, human resources and payroll systems. 

$^{(4)}$ Bankruptcy obligations that will be settled in shares of our common stock are marked-to-market based on our stock price. 

$^{(5)}$ Severance expenses primarily included costs associated with reductions of management and support staff team members. 

$^{(6)}$ Intangible asset impairment includes a non-cash charge to write-off our Brazil route authority as a result of the U.S.-Brazil open skies agreement. 

