LAN up after JP Morgan initiates coverage; United close to reaching deal for new aircraft
The majority of North and South American carriers witnessed another drop in stock prices on Friday (20-Nov-2009), as stocks moved with the Dow (-0.1%). The AMEX Airline Index fell 0.1% as a result. Oil prices meanwhile fell (-1.1%) for the second consecutive session, to USD76.65, reducing gains made earlier in the week.
JP Morgan initiates coverage on LAN
LAN Airlines (+2.0%) saw stocks up on Friday, after JP Morgan initiated coverage on the carrier's stocks at 'Overweight'. The analysts stated they expect LAN's earnings-per-share to more than double in 2010, as the global economy recovers. The carrier's stock price has gradually increased over the past three months.
LAN Airlines stock prices: 20-Aug-2009 to 20-Nov-2009
Source: Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation & Yahoo! Finance
Southwest (+1.0%) and Alaska Air (+0.9%) were also up at the end of trading. Alaska Air announced during trading that it had successfully completed the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) and has been renewed on the IOSA Registry. The carrier has been on the registry since 2006.
United Airlines close to reaching deal for new aircraft
United Airlines (-0.7%) is reportedly close to reaching a deal with either Boeing or Airbus for 150 aircraft, narrowing its options to either B787 Dreamliners or A350-XWB aircraft. The carrier plans to place a firm order for 25 long range aircraft worth approximately USD5 billion by the end of the year, with options for an additional 75 wide-body aircraft. United also plans to place a separate order for 50 narrow-body aircraft in 2010.
Meanwhile, AirTran (-4.4%) and TAM (-2.6%) stocks suffered the largest falls on the day.
North & South America selected airlines daily share price movements (% change): 20-Nov-09
Source: Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation & Yahoo! Finance