Instead of engaging in analyst speak for the earnings results airlines are reporting this week and the next, let’s sum it up real quick:  Airlines are earning record profits this quarter (again) and American Airlines continues to appear the weak animal on the plains with not one but two lions starting to eye it. 

The “records” being set with these profits are a bit deceiving.  Delta has had record profits.  It’s also roughly twice the size it was before the economic crash.  United has record profits, ditto.  US Airways has record profits and, yes, they’re roughly twice the size they used to be too.  When Southwest adds Airtran to their company, we’ll likely see new record profits there too. 

What’s driving these profits?  Well, certainly some synergies from the mergers although I suspect they aren’t as great as they are touted to be when these airlines were lobbying for approval of their mergers.  US Airways doesn’t have all those synergies in their flight crews and they’re still performing impressively. 

Network?  Well, again, I think it certainly helps a bit.  I believe the larger networks are improving load factors somewhat and that’s good.  On the other hand, is it all about the network?  No, not really.  I refer you to the fact that US Airways has a lousy network and, again, they’re doing very, very well.

I think the continuing restraint on capacity growth is driving these profits.  That’s great and I am very impressed that the airlines have held themselves in check as well as they have.  It’s nice to see profits in this industry and there are a whole lot of people who need to be paid back for their investments.  This will help do that. 

The question is . . . Will it last?  I’m skeptical.  Very skeptical.  First, some of the load factors we are seeing as “averages” are astronomically high when considered against the past 30 year history of the business.  Even Southwest is enjoying exceptionally high load factors and their business model isn’t based on high load factors at all.  I don’t think such load factors are sustainable.  In fact, I think they are too high as an average for these legacy/SuperLegacy carriers. 

I think branded regional airlines and LCC carriers are going to see a lot of opportunity over the next few quarters to start whittling away at these profits.  Someone will blink and they will add capacity.  When one starts to grow their capacity, many will follow, at least on competitive routes, because self-restraint in this business is dependent upon everyone exercising some. 

If we do continue to see these profits for another year or two, I also think we’ll see new entrants into the market place.  The Sirens will be calling to investors and it will be an irrestible call. 

You can bet that each airline is analyzing their competitors right now and you can also bet that the question being asked is how can we grow or add capacity through better utilization of our fleet right now.  Tomorrow, the question will be about what they can add to their fleet to grow that capacity.  Those questions are being asked internally right now and I do think we’re looking at least a couple more financial quarters of self-discipline.  I also think someone will likely blink when they begin to plan and announce intentions for next year’s summer season.

Filed under: Airline News by ajax