Airlines generally in for a bumpy ride in 2012

There are a lot of dire predictions for the airline industry in 2012. Everything from pollposition.com survey that says only 43% of Americans plan to take a flight in 2012, through to negative predictions on profitability of airlines  on the Indian subcontinent.

The best summary I have come across is a little more optimistic:

• Airlines are now unafraid to cut – they review flights and routes regularly and are unafraid to cut unprofitable ones
• Chapter 11 – will facilitate cuts at American Airlines – to bring it back into profitability
• Prices are likely to go up – perhaps because of oil prices, but there will be a fine balance in setting price to keep those middle seats filled, while window and aisle seats go to full-fare or frequent flyers
• if the current airlines are too successful – new players with stars in their eyes and money in their wallets will believe, despite the odds that they have the true profitmaking formula
• Europe down, Asia up – with the Euro crisis, European airlines are likely to feel the pinch. With China, India and other parts of Asia doing well – its low cost structure and repuatation for excellent service could see the further rise of the Asian airline
• Decline in freight – this is troubline IATA (International Air Transport Association), as traditionally a decline in freight indicates a fall in overall activity

For a good overview – see travelmarketreport.com