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Global Airline Industry Set To Hit $1 Trillion By 2025 Despite Supply Chain Turbulence

The global airline industry is on track to achieve record revenues of $1 trillion by 2025, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). While passenger numbers continue to rise, the sector faces persistent challenges, including aircraft supply chain disruptions and operational delays.

Record Revenue and Profit Growth

IATA projects a net profit of $36.6 billion for the airline sector in 2025, a rise from the $31.5 billion expected in 2024. Passenger traffic remains strong, with a record 5.2 billion passengers travelling in 2024. Although growth in 2025 is forecasted to be more moderate, it will still contribute to a sustained recovery following the COVID-19-induced collapse of 2020, which saw industry losses of $140 billion.

Lower fuel prices are providing some relief for airlines. Brent crude oil prices have declined by 20% over the past year, easing operating costs. The outlook is further supported by expectations of looser fiscal policies worldwide, which could bolster consumer purchasing power and drive global economic growth.

Supply Chain Disruptions Hamper Expansion

Despite positive financial projections, airlines face significant operational challenges. Strikes and technical issues at major aircraft manufacturers Boeing and Airbus have delayed deliveries of new, more fuel-efficient planes. These delays are problematic for airlines seeking to modernise their fleets and reduce fuel costs.

Boeing’s production of the 737 MAX aircraft was disrupted after a seven-week strike involving more than 70,000 employees. Following a new labour agreement that includes a 38% wage increase over four years, production has resumed. However, the backlog of more than 4,000 pending orders poses a logistical hurdle for Boeing as it seeks to meet growing airline demand.

A Look Ahead

As the airline industry edges closer to the $1 trillion revenue milestone, it must navigate both opportunities and obstacles. Rising passenger numbers and easing fuel costs are key growth drivers. However, production delays at Boeing and Airbus highlight the fragile nature of the sector’s supply chain.

The coming years will be defined by how well the industry adapts to these challenges. Airlines reliant on timely fleet upgrades may face operational setbacks, but the overall outlook remains positive. With strong global demand, increased profits, and declining fuel costs, the sector is poised for continued growth—though not without turbulence along the way.

Capital Deployment Emerges As Key Growth Driver For Greek Banks

UBS highlighted Eurobank and Alpha Bank in a report shared by Greek business outlet Newmoney, as investors increasingly focus on the lenders’ regional footprints, including Cyprus. Greek banks remain among the clearest beneficiaries of the country’s economic recovery, while more disciplined capital deployment could create further value for shareholders.

Despite recovering from lows during the Middle East crisis, Greek banks continue to trade at a discount to European peers. UBS sees potential for a rerating as lenders combine selective acquisitions with higher shareholder distributions.

Strong Fundamentals Support The Outlook

UBS expects performing corporate lending to grow about 8% annually between 2025 and 2028, while net interest margins are believed to have reached their low point. Improving net interest income and fee income should support earnings, while non-performing exposures and the cost of risk have fallen more than expected.

Greece is also expected to sustain GDP growth of roughly 2% annually, supported by investment backed by the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility. The country has received around €25 billion of the €36 billion available, while UBS forecasts a primary surplus of up to 3.5% of GDP in 2025 and public debt falling to 138% of GDP in 2026 and 133% in 2027.

Eurobank And Alpha Bank Stand Out In Cyprus

Eurobank drew particular attention following its acquisition of Hellenic Bank in 2025, which expanded its presence in Cyprus. UBS sees further growth potential across south-eastern Europe and considers the Hellenic Bank and Eurolife acquisitions positive for profitability and return on tangible equity.

Eurobank received a buy rating and a €5.10 price target, implying 11.7% upside. Alpha Bank also received a buy recommendation, with a €4.90 target implying 8.7% upside, supported by improving profitability, value-enhancing acquisitions and its share buyback program.

Piraeus And National Bank Offer Further Upside

Piraeus Bank was UBS’s top pick, with a buy rating and a €12 price target implying 18.8% upside. The bank cited long-term growth prospects, improving return on tangible equity and the expected acquisition of National Insurance, which would expand its financial services and bancassurance platform.

National Bank of Greece received a buy recommendation and an €18.70 target, implying 12.7% upside. UBS cited its profitability, capital position and credit quality, while its agreement with Allianz could provide further support to earnings and return on tangible equity.

Capital Discipline To Shape The Next Phase

UBS expects stronger lending, fee income, lower credit risks and continued economic growth to support Greek banks. However, the report argues that capital allocation will increasingly determine performance as lenders move beyond balance-sheet expansion.

For Eurobank and Alpha Bank, regional expansion, acquisitions, improving profitability and shareholder returns are expected to drive the next phase, while UBS sees further upside across the sector as lending and capital distributions strengthen.

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