Airlines raise cash but IATA keeps 2009 loss outlook
* Capital markets generate $8 bln in new cash
* Q3 financial performance improves somewhat
* IATA still forecasts $11 bln net loss for 2009
GENEVA, Nov 3 (Reuters) - The world's leading airlines were able to raise $8 billion in new cash from capital markets in the past two months, but their full-year outlook remains worrisome, an industry group said on Tuesday.
In its latest industry snapshot, the International Air Transport Association said it still expected airlines to lose $11 billion on a net basis in 2009 and warned that with jet fuel prices on the rise, cash flows would be under pressure.
Air fares have been nudging up along with improved economic and consumer sentiment worldwide, IATA said, while stressing that prices remain much lower than they were before the financial crisis hit.
"The revenue environment remains extremely challenging," said the group, which represents 230 airlines including British Airways (BAY.L), Qantas (QAN.AX), United Airlines (UAUA.O), Cathay Pacific (0293.HK) and Emirates [EMIRA.UL].
It has previously said the airline sector would lose $4 billion in 2010 as a result of continued economic improvement. (Editing by Simon Jessop)
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