Airlines
IATA Upbeat on Airlines’ Profitability in 2019
The association again trims its 2018 airline profit forecast on higher than anticipated costs.
IATA director general Alexandre de Juniac briefs reporters in Geneva on Wednesday. (Photo: IATA)
IATA director general Alexandre de Juniac briefs reporters in Geneva on Wednesday. (Photo: IATA)

The International Air Transport Association predicts that 2019 will mark the tenth year of profit and the fifth consecutive year where airlines deliver a return on capital that exceeds the industry’s cost of capital. However, IATA cut its profit target for the global aviation market this year for a second time. The industry’s main trade body said on Wednesday that net income for 2018 will likely total $32.3 billion, which compares to a forecast of $33.8 billion in June and a December forecast for $38.4 billion.