Lift-Off ✈️
2020 has been a turbulent year for nearly everyone, but some were hit harder than others, and there is no better example of this than the airline industry.
With the ETF “JETS” which consists of airlines, getting beat down 63% from its peak, and even before this in 2019, two major airplanes crashed in Ethiopia and Indonesia killing 346 people. The aircraft causing that crash, the Boeing 737 max, has been rescinded for nearly two years, however, this week The Federal Aviation Administration approved a return to service for the 737 MAX, with FAA Administrator Steven Dickson explaining that he is, and I quote “100% confident in the safety of the aircraft”.
On a larger scope the airline industry did have some good or “not so bad” news, with no publicly traded U.S airline falling into bankruptcy as a result of the pandemic. Coupled with the fact that the COVID-19 vaccine is slowly rolling out, many investors are optimistic that the airline industry will have a smoother flight in 2021. But is this enough to build a bullish case?
Well like all things in investing, there are two sides of the coin, with many experts explaining that the pandemics effects have scarred the balance sheets of these airlines deeply, and that it could take until 2024 or later for a complete recovery.
I am not a financial advisor and my comments should never be taken as financial advice. Investments come with risk, so always do your research and analysis beforehand.