- Net profit stood at $9.4bn in 2026 forecasts.
- Net margin equalled 2.5 pc.
- Profit per passenger reached $8.10.
- Demand in RPK increased 0.8 pc.
- Capacity in ASK grew 0.3 pc.
North American airlines have been transmitting jet fuel cost increases directly into cost bases after reduced hedging, according to the industry update at the IATA Congress in Rio de Janeiro. Network carriers positioned better than low-cost operators for domestic market conditions. Labor costs rose after wage increases.
Net profit reached $9.4bn in 2026 forecasts with a net margin of 2.5 pc. Profit per passenger stood at $8.10. Demand in RPK grew 0.8 pc while capacity in ASK increased 0.3 pc.
Financial leverage remained high and increased sensitivity to cost shocks. Operating performance stayed solid despite isolation from Middle East shocks.
Willie Walsh shared “Even in the best of times, the airline industry as a whole suffers from low margins and returns below the cost of capital.”
