IATA: North American carriers lead in 4Q2011 profits

IATA released (02-Feb-2012) its Jan-2012 Airlines Financial Health Monitor which provides the following global airline financial updates for the three months ended 31-Dec-2011:

• Operating profit: USD3015 million, -33.6% year-on-year;
  • North America: USD1635 million, +4.0%;
  • Asia Pacific: USD1091 million, -44.2%;
  • Europe: USD60 million, -68.9%;
  • Latin America: USD193 million, -75.8%;
  • Middle East: USD37 million, +76.2%;
• Net profit: USD771 million, -55.9%;
  • North America: USD349 million, +206.1%;
  • Asia Pacific: USD272 million, -76.7%;
  • Europe: USD68 million, -22.7%;
  • Latin America: USD53 million, -85.2%;
  • Middle East: USD29 million, +45.0%. [more - Original PR]

IATA: "Compared to Q4 2010 net profits have contracted by 55% for the industry overall. This continues the squeeze that started in Q4 2010, as a result of slowing demand and high fuel prices. By contrast, North American airlines, which managed to maintain strong yields and load factors, had good Q4 performance - more than doubling profits compared to the same period in 2010," IATA statement. Source: IATA, 02-Feb-2012.