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Continental

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We have a positive fundamental outlook for the airline industry. In 2009, the S&P Airlines Index increased 27.43%, versus a 29.03% rise for the S&P 500
The airline industry is highly cyclical, and the level of demand for air travel is correlated to the strength of the U.S. and global economies. According to the S&P, it is expected that an improving U.S. economy continues to drive improving air travel demand over the next few months beginning at the end of 2009. At the end of 2009, the reported traffic statistics at many major carriers showed improving demand and revenues . Therefore, it is reasonable that the U.S. airline industry could be undergoing the start of fundamental industry demand improvement.
In addition, since the industry has already reduced capacity levels, it should be able to raise fares as passenger travel demand improves. Even though oil and jet fuel prices is up sharply from 52-week lows, they are still notably lower than in 2008 , which should ease cash usage throughout the group and allow good entry points into new fuel hedge positions, thereby offering protection if oil spikes again.
According to S&P, the top 10 U.S. carriers lost about $5 billion in 2009, after a $4 billion loss in 2008, as the benefit of lower jet fuel costs was eroded by lower airfares and falling passenger levels. Results in 2008 were impacted by record high oil prices. Airlines have cut fares in response to weakening demand, but we think recent cuts to domestic and international supply could help restore some pricing power. For 2010, S&P estimates a net profit of about $2.0 billion for the top 10 U.S. major airlines

Continental Airlines, Inc. –SWOT Analysis
Continental Airlines is a major U.S. air carrier engaged in the business of transporting passengers, cargo and mail. The company has a strong market presence and a robust hub system. The company would be

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