Thai surges on upgrade; Air NZ sees largest earnings reduction since 2002

The upgrade was based on optimism of an economic revival, which will boost tourist arrivals and profitability levels. According to Morgan Stanley, “we think the worst is behind Thai. We expect operating profitability of airlines in Thailand to improve with the recovery in the global and Thai economies.” The broker added that Thai Airways' stock is “among the cheapest of the airline shares”, despite soaring 41% in the past five days.

Also gaining yesterday were the major Chinese carriers, with Hainan Airlines, China Southern, Shanghai Airlines, China Eastern and Air China all up, by 8.4%, 4.7%, 4.6%, 3.8% and 3.6%, respectively. 

Asia Pacific selected airlines daily share price movements (% change): 26-Aug-09

Source: Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation & Reuters

Air New Zealand remained stable yesterday, but has fallen 2.4% in early morning Wellington trading today, as the carrier reported a 90% slump in profitability (to USD14 million) in FY2008/09, the largest reduction in earnings since the company posted a loss in 2002, as the global recession curbed international travel. 

See related article: Air New Zealand faces revenue crunch

According to Chairman, John Palmer, "this result positions Air New Zealand as one of the top airline performers globally but it falls short of delivering shareholders an appropriate commercial return". CEO, Rob Fyfe, added that “although there are some early indicators that the slump in travel demand may be showing signs of having bottomed out, it would be naive to think that there won’t be bumps on the road to economic recovery”.

Meanwhile, AirAsia's shares eased 1.4%, after announcing the launch of an offering of up to 90 million non-collateralised European-style cash settled call warrants.

Malaysia Airlines' shares gained 2.4%, as CEO, Idris Jala, forecast passenger traffic will return to pre-global financial downturn levels in 2011, adding it is “well placed” for expansion once demand improves.