The upgraded estimate for this year is still slightly below 2016’s $34.8 billion earnings figure, but the 2018 prediction to $38.4 billion would represent a new industry high as passenger numbers top 4.3 billion. Photo: MintGeneva/London: Global airline earnings this year will top previous forecasts and surge to a record in 2018, spurred by higher fares and burgeoning cargo demand, according to the industry’s main trade group. More cargo is being sent by air as people increasingly buy goods over the Internet — giving a particular lift to Asian exports. While rising passenger traffic will increase fares, airlines will be challenged by rising costs for fuel and labour. The demand for air cargo is at its strongest level in over a decade.

Source: Mint December 05, 2017 11:26 UTC