Airlines Financial Monitor December 2021 – January 2022

Source: IATA

Key points:

• The latest financial results confirm that the pressure on the industry’s operating profitability eased in Q3 2021. In the sample of 87 airlines, the operating loss – improved from 13.6% of revenues in Q2 to 2.6% in Q3.
• The Global airline share price index picked up in January 2022 amid investors’ confidence that Omicron-related disruptions might have a smaller impact on the travel industry than previously expected. Nevertheless, the index remains 30% below pre-crisis levels.
• Jet fuel prices also rebounded from the Omicron-related dip in December and are currently at the highest level since late-2018. The elevated price is adding extra pressure on airlines’ operating costs just at the time when travel demand is being hit by renewed travel restrictions.