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Airlines in Turbulence - Virus Outbreaks and their Impact on the Aviation Market

Posted on: Thursday, 21 May 2009, 04:21 CDT

Frost & Sullivan's Web Conference on the current global situation

LONDON, May 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Virus outbreaks and their impact on the airlines will be discussed during a web conference that Frost & Sullivan will host on Wednesday, 3 June, at 4 pm BST.

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Aerospace & Defence Research Analyst John Siddharth will analyse the current global situation and take a first look at how a possible pandemic could affect airline operations and profitability, by drawing comparisons between the recent swine flu and past virus outbreaks.

Over the last year, the airline market has been experiencing turbulent times, following steep fluctuations in jet fuel prices and the global economic credit crisis. The majority of the airlines globally have seen a fall in demand for air travel and, those that survived so far, have initiated restructuring programmes to help get through the downturn. However, the drop in air travelers and the cancellation of flights in swine flu affected countries may cost airlines further losses.

A similar scenario took place in 2003, with the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), though this was effectively restrained within the Asia-Pacific region. Over a 6 month period, SARS led to severe financial losses for airlines and airports based in the affected areas, as airline load factors dropped instantly by 30-80% in the worst cases.

"The 2003 crisis is a clear indication of what could happen overnight in the instance of a swine flu pandemic today; and no one in the air transport industry is immune from the repercussions. What we need now," says John Siddharth, "is for airlines and airports to continue their restructuring efforts, following the effects of the economic downturn, and to prepare for the worst." Stringent checks at airports/transits could curb the spread of viruses but these are short-term measures that would not effectively combat the threat.

This briefing would benefit airline operators and airport authorities as it focuses on the possible effects of a pandemic in the air transport industry nowadays.

To participate, please email Chiara Carella at chiara.carella@frost.com with the following information: your full name, company name, title, telephone number, e-mail, address, city, state and country. Upon receipt of the above information, a registration link will be e-mailed to you. You may also register to receive a recorded version of the briefing at anytime by submitting the aforementioned contact details.

About Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, enables clients to accelerate growth and achieve best in class positions in growth, innovation and leadership. The company's Growth Partnership Service provides the CEO and the CEO's Growth Team with disciplined research and best practice models to drive the generation, evaluation, and implementation of powerful growth strategies. Frost & Sullivan leverages over 45 years of experience in partnering with Global 1000 companies, emerging businesses and the investment community from more than 35 offices on six continents. To join our Growth Partnership, please visit http://www.frost.com.

Contact: Chiara Carella Head of Corporate Communications P: 0044 (0) 207 3438314 E: chiara.carella@frost.com http://www.frost.com

SOURCE Frost & Sullivan

Source: PR Newswire

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