Airline losses worldwide may total $9 billion in 2009, nearly double a previous forecast, as an outbreak of swine flu compounds the effects of the recession, the industry's main trade group said.
Sales may fall 15 percent to $448 billion this year from $528 billion in 2008, the International Air Transport Association said in a statement distributed at its annual meeting in Kuala Lumpur today.
"This is the most difficult situation that the industry has faced," IATA Chief Executive Officer Giovanni Bisignani said.
- Bloomberg
McDonald's said Monday its same-store sales climbed 5.1% in May, as the hamburger chain continued to prosper from budget-conscious consumers.
The Oak Brook, Ill.-based company said U.S. same-store sales climbed 2.8%, helped by classic menu items and its new McCafe espresso-based coffees.
The espresso drinks are now being rolled out to all the company's U.S. restaurants. In May last year, the company's same-store sales rose 4.3% in the U.S.
- USA Today