Southeast Asian airlines: 80% were unprofitable in 1H2014 but conditions are starting to improve

Southeast Asian airlines have faced extremely challenging market conditions in 2014, resulting in an alarming amount of red ink. Of the 17 airlines in Southeast Asia that report earnings only four posted operating profits in 1H2014 compared to 12 in 1H2013.

Among the nearly 50 airlines based in Southeast Asia, excluding small regional and charter operators, approximately 80% were not profitable in 1H2014. Losses are likely to continue through at least 3Q2014 but there are indications market conditions will start to improve by 4Q2014 or 1H2015.

Several Southeast Asian airlines have responded to overcapacity by and cutting capacity or slowing their expansion. Markets that have seen political and economic instability are also starting to stabilise.