What Airline Analysts Are Mulling Over Today

The improved third quarter guidance issued by United Airlines in an SEC filing.

The company said in the filing that passenger revenue per available seat mile, or the amount the airline makes for each seat flown, is now forecast to increase by 7.5 to 8.5% for the quarter.

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But, while RASM appears to be on the upside — the airline also said that costs are now trending higher than expected for the quarter as well.

Growth in Q3 cost per available seat mile excluding fuel and special items (CASM ex-fuel) is expected to now come in between 5.25 and 5.75% y/y. This is 1.25% higher than prior guidance – due to higher profit sharing and a non cash charge for surplus and obsolete maintenance inventory.

As a result, the general takeaway from the notes we read was that the news is not that earth-shattering. Especially considering the current state of fuel prices. Or as Kevin Crissey, analyst with UBS said today, “Fuel prices continue to rise and are really ugly now.”

Yep. Roger over. We hear you.

Ticker: (Nasdaq:UAUA)

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