US AIRLINES OUTLOOK DROPPED

Rising fuel prices has caused leading analysts to cut earnings estimates for a number of airlines. Recommendations for JetBlue Airways and AMR, American Airlines parent company, were downgraded from hold to sell, and moved a number of others from buy to hold. Analysts have projected that US airlines 2011 profits will total $1.53 billion, which is down from $2.48 billion before the revisions caused by fuel costs. However all airlines except AMR are still expected to earn a profit in 2011. Wrote Becker wrote in her report: “The current $3.41/gallon price does not bode well for airline margins for at