In 2023, the average cost of aircraft block (taxi plus airborne) time for U.S. passenger airlines was $100.80 per minute. Fuel expense, the largest line item, declined 11.6 percent to $37.27 per minute. Labor costs, the second largest line item, rose 12.7 percent to $32.68 per minute. Maintenance expense rose 7.2 percent and aircraft ownership declined 5.1 percent, while all other costs rose 5.6 percent.
| Calendar Year 2023 | Direct Aircraft Operating Cost per Block Minute | YOY ∆% |
| Crew – Pilots/Flight Attendants | $32.68 | 12.7 |
| Fuel | 37.27 | -11.6 |
| Maintenance | 16.88 | 7.2 |
| Aircraft Ownership | 9.97 | -5.1 |
| Other | 4.00 | 5.6 |
| Total Direct Operating Costs | $100.80 | -0.4 |