IATA revises 2017 industry profitability outlook upwards to over $31 billion

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) on Tuesday revised its 2017 industry profitability outlook upwards to $31.4 billion.

According to IATA, airlines are expected to report a $31.4 billion profit up from the previous forecast of $29.8 billion.

"This will be another solid year of performance for the airline industry. Demand for both the cargo and passenger business is stronger than expected," said Alexandre de Juniac, Director General and CEO of IATA at the 73rd annual general meeting of the global airlines association being organised in Cancun, Mexico.

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"While revenues are increasing, earnings are being squeezed by rising fuel, labour and maintenance expenses. Airlines are still well in the black and delivering earnings above their cost of capital. But, compared to last year, there is a dip in profitability."

IATA had revised downwards its estimation for 2016 profits to $34.8 billion from $35.6 billion.