Coming soon: AirAsia's billion ringgit crash
As reported in Forbes Asia, 12 Jan 2009: And in the third quarter, ended Sept. 30, the airline suffered its first net loss since it went public in 2004--a total of $136 million, much of that because the airline hedged against higher oil prices before they fell dramatically. More losses are coming because it thought oil prices would remain at $70, but now they've fallen below $40. Even at $50 the airline projected it would lose some $481 million on its soured hedges, though Fernandes says the lower fuel prices will allow him to make up the losses in three months. Some analysts have downgraded the stock from neutral to sell.The Group seeks to hedge this fuel price risk by entering into jet fuel derivatives contracts. ( Hit By Turbulence; Fewer people are flying, but AirAsia is deploying more planes. Tony Fernandes bet wrong on fuel prices, but his play for discount travelers may pay off. Ioannis Gatsiounis and staff ;12 January 2009, Forbes Asia .http://www.forbes.com/global/2009/01...