The slump in oil prices is giving many Asian carriers a strong boost in profitability. ENLARGE Photo: Reuters Many Asian airlines are seeing a particularly strong boost in profitability due to the slump in oil prices since the middle of last year, because they are typically more exposed to fuel-price swings compared with their counterparts world-wide. Jet fuel typically accounts for as much as 50% of Asian carriers’ operating costs, higher than the global average of 30%, so the improved outlook for the global industry is more pronounced in Asia than in Europe, though U.S. carriers are expected to lead the world in profits this year. International jet fuel prices have fallen 47% to US$65.80 per barrel as of January 9, according to industry trade group International Air Transport Association, or IATA. “Asian carriers tend to hedge less than their U.S. and European peers, with an average of less […]