airline profit losses

Air cargo is booming, but the pandemic set back international passenger airlines by seven years or more by several metrics.

The global airline industry still has a steep climb out of its financial hole. U.S. airlines are doing better, but watch out for the delta variant.

Cargo has been the airline industry’s all-star performer since the pandemic began. Profits are soaring, but it’s not enough to overcome huge losses from the travel side.

Airlines are bleeding red ink and are asking incoming DOT nominee Pete Buttigieg to focus on testing and other steps to give people confidence to travel.

Airlines are slowly adding flights, but don’t mistake that for market optimism. Bookings are trending down for the winter and airlines are bleeding billions in cash.

Cargo is no longer the stepchild at passenger airlines. Strong cargo sales have helped keep airlines afloat as revenues plunge during the coronavirus. Will we see airlines start to buy freighters to capitalize on cargo demand?

The viability of the airline industry is at stake because COVID has mostly wiped out passenger travel. The group’s global trade association is pleading with governments to help airlines with rule changes and financial aid.

The International Air Transport Association is preparing to eliminate about 400 jobs as airlines pinch pennies because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Southwest Airlines wrote its second-quarter results in red ink — $1.5 billion to be exact. It is not alone. All airlines are suffering financially from the coronavirus crisis.

United Airlines lost $1.6 billion in the second quarter. Given that a pandemic has hammered passenger travel, that’s relatively good. Company officials say maintaining capacity discipline for the foreseeable future is critical to get back to profitability.

Winter is a cold period for airlines’ bottom lines. Throw in COVID-19 challenges and airlines face a difficult road to next year. That is why they are knocking on doors for help.

Airlines continue to send out SOS distress signals. The industry’s main trade association says profit margins will drop 20% this year, but the increased reliance on air cargo is helping companies stay alive and keep employees.

The global pandemic is forcing airlines into a protective cocoon to survive, but many workers are feeling the effects first-hand.