The latest financial results for Q4 2016 show that the decline in profitability, which began in the third quarter of 2016, continued across most regions in the fourth quarter, albeit from historically high levels.
Global airline share prices continued their positive start to 2017 during February, out-performing the wider global equity market, as expectations for airlines profits improve, particularly in the US.
Brent crude oil prices have been broadly stable since December, and traded within a very tight band of $US55-57/bbl during February. Oil prices are still expected to rise only gradually over the years ahead.
Average passenger yields in US$ terms continue to fall, but the recent strength of the US$ may be disguising signs of a stabilisation or slowing of this down-trend.
Passenger and freight demand both carried momentum into the New Year. The industry-wide passenger load factor remains stable at a record high, and the freight load factor has continued to recover.
Premium airfares generally held up better than those of the economy cabin in 2016, and premium’s share of revenues increased on a number of key routes. This has helped to support airline financial performance.
