+++ Business figures +++: Airbnb exceeds expectations – World Cup boosts business

Evonik is benefiting from supply shortages in Asia, while Air France-KLM is mitigating the impact of rising fuel prices. IAG anticipates a fuel bill of €8.6 billion for the year, while Iberia, Vueling, Aer Lingus, and Level expect to offset about 60% of the increased costs through revenue growth and cost savings. In Q2, IAG's operating profit excluding one-off items fell by 16% to €1.41 billion, with revenue remaining almost at the same level as the previous year, at €8.89 billion.

Overall, the profit dropped almost a third to €732 million. AF-KLM benefited from strong demand for premium tickets, particularly in Asian and North American markets, resulting in a profit for Q2 that was a third higher than expected, at €484 million, exceeding analyst forecasts of €327 million. The airline's CEO, Benjamin Smith, attributed this to the stable demand for premium travel.

Revenue grew by 10% to €9.3 billion. Due to relatively modest demand, the airline lowered its capacity growth forecast to between 2% and 3% (previously 3% to 5%). The aviation industry is currently suffering from high fuel costs and the effects of the conflict in the Middle East. AF-KLM now expects fuel costs of $8.9 billion for the full year 2026, nearly two billion dollars more than the previous year.