0602 GMT - It's shaping up to be a better year for the airline industry after a turbulent 2024, according to DBS Group Research. Prospects look brighter for U.S. and European carriers, fueled by a healthy macroeconomic backdrop, rising real wages, stronger consumer confidence and robust travel demand, analysts say in a note. Easing inflation and lower jet-fuel prices provide cost relief, even as yields are projected to fall, they add. The outlook is less sunny for Asia-Pacific airlines. Pricing challenges may remain acute with above-trend capacity growth in the region, which could drag on operating margins, the analysts say. United and Delta are DBS's top picks, followed by IAG in Europe and Qantas in APAC. Cathay Pacific and Ryanair round out the list. Air China, China Eastern and China Southern are downgraded to hold. (farah.elias@wsj.com)
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
January 24, 2025 01:02 ET (06:02 GMT)
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