US airlines: American, United, Delta corporate travel holds up

Concerns that the continuing trade spat between the US and China could eventually hurt corporate demand appear to be fading as the three large global US airlines have optimistic outlooks for that high yielding passenger segment in 2Q2019.

American, Delta and United believe corporate demand should continue to remain strong, and Delta is seeing some firming of leisure demand as the US' busy summer travel season begins late in the second quarter.

American and United are continuing to deal with the fallout of the grounding of the Boeing 737 MAX, which has resulted in both airlines lowering their projected capacity growth targets for 2019.

American has also trimmed its earnings forecast as the grounding and higher fuel costs are hampering the company from reaching its initial earnings targets.