Deteriorating consumer confidence and weaker global economic growth prospects are placing further pressure on the world’s airlines and their investors. Airline share prices have taken a battering, falling by around a quarter this year on economic jitters and earnings expectations. Airline industry profits in 2Q2011 were down by around 60% on 2010 levels, according to industry grouping, IATA. High jet fuel prices continue to pressure the sector, while a moderation in travel volumes and falling freight demand are also of concern. IATA, in its Jul/Aug-2011 Airlines Finance Monitor, stated airline share prices, measured using the Bloomberg global index, declined by 9% in Aug-2011 and a further 5% in early Sep-2011. The financial markets still expect airline financial performance to be hit more than most sectors.