Transportation

Airline Industry 2009 Recovery - MAYBE - (AMR)(UAL)(DAL)(CAL)(SWA)(LCC)(JBLU)

______________________________________________________________
Airline Industry 2009 Recovery – MAYBE –


By Robert Herbst


Only weeks ago due to the unprecedented rise in fuel costs, analysts were  predicting doom for the airline industry.

Today, crude oil is over 60% less than it was just over three months ago and  the price of

Aac1_6 jet fuel is about what it was in early 2007. In anticipation of lower demand, every major airline reduced capacity starting with the current Q4 2008.  (See note at end regarding jet fuel pricing).

Those same analysts who were  predicting airline failures are now  projecting $billions in profits for 2009.


As they say- "things change"!


If jet fuel remains at or below today’s price, Q4 bottom line expense will be further reduced by 4-5% from current  projections.

Profits more or less require the correct balance between capacity, pricing and costs.

After reviewing recent traffic reports and capacity guidance, it is easy to make an

argument there is still 10-15% excess capacity which will encourage fare sales  and lower overall yields into 2009.


Based on estimated earnings for year 2008, the largest 8 airlines are projected to lose over $5.3 billion (does not include a few $billion more in non-cash write-downs).In spite of creative ala carte fees for everything from fuel surcharges to a blanket,  2008 revenue was not enough to cover the real costs of airline operations.  Southwest’s fuel hedges were the only reason they had a profit.


Assuming October traffic demand carries forward through this year and start of 2009,

Aac2_2

the 4th quarter revenue/cost projections do  not indicate a profit until traffic increases

or/and fuel cost projections are reduced.

As we move through Q1 2009, there should  be a more predictable view of the impact  depressed Global economics will have  on traffic demand.


Note: Jet fuel has a price premium above crude oil known as the crack spread. Recent

jet fuel price has been 8-10% higher than the last time crude oil was $55-60 per barrel.



The link below will provide access to an interactive worksheet that allows the user to make multiple changes to each airlines financial and operational metrics.


Numerous projections, including net earnings are automatically calculated with each change.

Link to revenue cost interactive charts  from AirlineFinancials.com.

# # # #

______________________________________________________________

Robert Herbst has been a commercial pilot since 1969. His aviation experience and

financial background provides a unique analytical perspective into the airline industry.

His website: Airlinefinancials.com provides airline industry analysis and commentary

for major US carriers.

Get Ready To Retire (Sponsored)

Start by taking a quick retirement quiz from SmartAsset that will match you with up to 3 financial advisors that serve your area and beyond in 5 minutes, or less.

Each advisor has been vetted by SmartAsset and is held to a fiduciary standard to act in your best interests.

Here’s how it works:
1. Answer SmartAsset advisor match quiz
2. Review your pre-screened matches at your leisure. Check out the advisors’ profiles.
3. Speak with advisors at no cost to you. Have an introductory call on the phone or introduction in person and choose whom to work with in the future

Get started right here.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.