A4A Chief Economist Discusses Airlines' Fuel Costs and Capacity Balance

On October 29, 2026, John Heimlich, Vice President and Chief Economist of the American Association of Airline Transport (A4A), shared his views on the issue of airlines' fuel costs and capacity balance. He said airlines' ability to recover fuel costs through fares has currently reached its ceiling; Deutsche Bank expects that airlines can recover only about 60% to 65% of the additional fuel costs. The report did not mention earlier related statements or data, and the current progress of the event is Heimlich's above judgment and Deutsche Bank's estimate of the cost recovery ratio.