The International Air Transport Association (IATA) anticipates airlines in North America will generate the strongest financial performance of any global region, with carriers in the region posting net profits topping $16.4 billion in 2018. This number is up from $15.6 billion in 2017. IATA expects market conditions will continue to be strong, with the 3.4 percent capacity growth expected to be less than the traffic forecast of 3.5 percent.
Overall, North American airlines have generated more than half of global airline profits over the past three years. However, improvements have slowed due to heightening cost pressures, including rising fuel prices and labor costs. But IATA expects these pressures to decrease in 2018.
