AEA: '2012 will not be an easy ride for European airlines'

Association of European Airlines (AEA) forecasts Europe's leading carriers to generate EBIT of EUR1.5 billion (USD2 billion) in 2011. However, Europe's economic turmoil is threatening to push the sector into a loss in 2012. "Most of our members have posted good results over the first nine months of 2011. Passenger numbers are up 8% and the outlook for the full year is positive," stated secretary general, Ulrich Schulte-Strathaus. "However, freight figures have been faltering since mid-year and third-quarter yields are beginning to weaken. The fourth quarter will mark the start of a tough ride ahead." Mr Schulte-Strathaus predicts 2012 "will not be an easy ride for European airlines". [more - original PR] [more - CAPA Analysis]