Airline losses improve in 4Q2009, but annual loss still expected to reach USD11 billion: IATA

IATA reports (03-Feb-2010) the following financial updates for reported airlines for the three months ended 31-Dec-2009:

• Operating profit (loss): USD625.7 million, compared to a loss of USD648.2 million in the previous corresponding period;
  • North America: USD602.1 million, compared to a loss of USD406.7 million in the previous corresponding period;
  • Europe: USD2 million, compared to a loss of USD121.3 million in the previous corresponding period;
  • Asia Pacific: (USD168.7 million), compared to a loss of USD351.8 million in the previous corresponding period;
  • Latin America: USD190.3 million, -17.8%;
• Net profit (loss): (USD254.2 million), compared to a loss of USD4,624 million in the previous corresponding period;
  • North America: USD41.5 million, compared to a loss of USD3,522 million in the previous corresponding period;
  • Europe: (15.6 million), compared to a loss of USD156.8 million in the previous corresponding period;
  • Asia Pacific: (USD389.8 million), compared to a loss of USD1,063 million in the previous corresponding period;
  • Latin America: USD109.7 million, -6.3%. [more]

IATA: "Seasonal weakness in travel always depressed Q4 financials - and we still expect an USD11 billion net loss for 2009 as a whole - but the comparison with 4Q2008 shows an improvement across geographical regions," IATA statement. Source: IATA, 03-Feb-2010.