U.S., International Airlines See Paths Diverge

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- A gap has emerged between international airlines, which are generally forecasting a bleak year in 2009, and their more optimistic U.S. counterparts.

For the U.S., analysts and some industry leaders are expecting profits next year. According to Scott Kirby, president of US Airways(LCC Quote), 2009 revenue per available seat mile will likely increase at a double-digit rate.

Helping the situation is an unprecedented 10% capacity reduction across the industry and new fees that are adding hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue, Kirby said at a recent investor conference. ...