AirAsia “happy” with 3Q2009 results; to list in Thailand and Indonesia; Tiger considering IPO
AirAsia's shares gained 3.2% yesterday, ahead of the release of the carrier's financial results, due out today (20-Nov-2009). CEO, Tony Fernandes, stated the carrier is "happy with the result" for 32009, which is traditionally the weakest quarter for the airline.
AirAsia planning to list in Thailand and Indonesia
Meanwhile, Mr Fernandes, in an interview with Malaysia's Business Times, stated the carrier plans to list itself on both Thailand and Indonesia's stock exchanges, including a dual listing in Thailand, as part of plans to develop a single ASEAN airline identity.
According to CEO, Tony Fernandes, "the plan is to list AirAsia group in Thailand and later on in Indonesia. The performance of both associates is dramatically improving and we are working on a suitable structure to inject them into a common share". He added, "it's still too early to provide details on when and how many shares will be floated. But we are looking at issuing new shares".
AirAsia's share price has gained 52% since the start of 2009, outperforming the 45.4% rise in the broader market index.
Tiger considering IPO
In other finance news, Tiger Airways is reportedly considering launching an IPO of at least USD500 million, or 20% of its share capital, in 2010, to fund expansion plans in Australia and purchase new aircraft.
Virgin Blue believes the market has bottomed, but fares still unsustainable
Virgin Blue CEO, Brett Godfrey, in an address to the Queensland Media Club yesterday, stated he believes the market has bottomed out, with the carrier planning to provide a market update at its AGM next week.
Mr Godfrey added that he hopes fares will soon return to pre-global financial prices, stating current fares, particularly international sectors, are "not sustainable" and that the carrier would like to see a return to pre-global financial downturn prices shortly.
Indian airlines unprofitable in FY2008/09
In the Indian market, Jet Airways, Kingfisher and SpiceJet all experienced share reductions yesterday, of 3.2%, 3.8% and 4.6% respectively.
Also yesterday, the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation reported the carriers' profit/loss for FY2008/09, with the three listed Indian airlines all reporting losses in the 12 month period, of USD86, USD343 and USD75 million, respectively.
JetLite and GOAir were also unprofitable, with losses of USD135 million and USD5 million, respectively, while Paramount Airways and IndiGO were both profitable, with profits of USD1.6 million and USD17.6 million. On a combined level, the seven carriers reported a loss of USD62 million.
Asia Pacific selected airlines daily share price movements (% change): 19-Nov-09
