Aer Lingus states market conditions “remain difficult”; BA close to industrial action again
The majority of European carriers' shares were down on Friday (30-Apr-2010), after wider markets fell on news of an analyst downgrade of Goldman Sachs and disappointing 1Q2010 results from Barclays Capital. A drop in mining sector shares also pushed markets lower.
A significant gain in oil prices (+3.5%), to USD86.15, also sent airline shares lower. In key markets, UK's FTSE (-1.2%), France's CAC (-0.6%) and Germany's DAX (-0.2%) all ended the session lower.
Aer Lingus states market conditions "remain difficult"
Aer Lingus (-1.0%) was down after Chairman, Colm Barrington, stated market conditions "remain difficult" in 2010. However, Mr Barrington added that changes implemented by the carrier are "already contributing to improved operating results and cash protection, which will be enhanced as the economic environment improves". Mr Barrington also stated Ryanair's (-0.4%) 29.11% ownership in Aer Lingus was "damaging to the interest of the shareholders of both companies".
British Airways close to industrial action again
British Airways (-0.7%) also slipped on news Unite has commenced balloting the carrier's 12,000 cabin crew members on the latest offer from management. Unite provided a strong recommendation that they reject the proposal.
Joint General Secretary, Tony Woodley, stated there are three main reasons why crew members should vote to reject the offer, including the refusal to full restore travel concessions, the carrier's disciplinary action against over 50 crew members and the union's "loss of trust" in BA's commitment in finding a solution to the dispute.
The consultative ballot of BA cabin crew members will close on 07-May-2010. The union reportedly plans to discuss a new industrial action strategy this week, with new strike dates to possibly be announced the day after the UK general election, should staff vote against the latest offer. Unite is reportedly considering strike action of up to 12 days.
TNT gains
TNT (+2.0%) was meanwhile the day's biggest gainer after announcing its shareholders approved a final dividend for FY2009 at EUR0.35 per ordinary share. The final dividend is payable, at the shareholder's election, either wholly in ordinary shares or wholly in cash.
Dart Group (+1.3%) and Finnair (+1.2%) also gained, while Norwegian Air Shuttle (-2.5%) declined with Norway's Oslo Bors (-1.0%). Aegean Airlines (-2.3%) was also down.
Europe Airline Daily provides a morning briefing on all major European airline developments. Covering fleets, routes, financials, traffic, bilateral agreements, alliances, financing, ownership, along with analysis of all significant developments. Other stories featured in today's issue:
- flybe backs London Heathrow's controversial third runway project;
- Germanwings takes delivery of 30th A319 aircraft;
- Swiss and Brussels Airlines codeshare on services to Cameroon;
- Finnair to resume Stuttgart service Aug-2010;
- Aeroflot and Tranaero planning to launch scheduled services to Indonesia;
- SunExpress passenger numbers increase 24% in 1Q2010; five new Boeing aircraft by Dec-2010.
Europe selected airlines daily share price movements (% change): 30-Apr-2010
Source: Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation & Yahoo! Finance