The International Air Transport Association has announced an outlook for improved industry profitability in its Economic Performance of the Air Transport Industry report.

Airlines are expected to post a collective global net profit in 2014 of some $19.9 billion - up from the $18 billion projected in June.

This looks set to rise to $25.0 billion in 2015.

Lower oil prices and stronger worldwide GDP growth are the main drivers behind the improved profitability.

Consumers will benefit substantially from the stronger industry performance as lower industry costs and efficiencies are passed through.

The airline industry is highly competitive.

After adjusting for inflation, average return airfares (excluding taxes and surcharges) are expected to fall by some 5.1 per cent on 2014 levels and cargo rates are expected to fall by a slightly bigger 5.8 per cent.

The expected $25 billion net post-tax profit represents a 3.2 per cent margin.

On a per passenger basis, airlines will make a net profit of $7.08 in 2015.

That is up on the $6.02 earned in 2014 and more than double the $3.38 earnings per passenger achieved in 2013.

“The industry outlook is improving.

“The global economy continues to recover and the fall in oil prices should strengthen the upturn next year.

“While we see airlines making $25 billion in 2015, it is important to remember that this is still just a 3.2 per cent net profit margin.

“The industry story is largely positive, but there are a number of risks in today’s global environment—political unrest, conflicts, and some weak regional economies- among them.

“And a 3.2 per cent net profit margin does not leave much room for a deterioration in the external environment before profits are hit,” said Tony Tyler, IATA director general.