Oct 20 (Reuters) - American Airlines Group Inc (AAL.O) on Thursday forecast that fourth-quarter profit would exceed analyst estimates after posting better-than-expected earnings in the third quarter, as demand for travel remained resilient despite higher airfare and growing risks of an economic recession.
American is the latest airline to provide an upbeat forecast even as a worsening economic outlook has sparked worries about travel spending.
Carriers, however, say an unquenched thirst for travel, hybrid work arrangements and limited airline capacity would keep their business humming.
American said demand for domestic and short-haul international travel is "very strong", and lifting of travel restrictions and testing requirements around the globe are expected to further drive up long-haul international traffic.
Adjusted profit for the third quarter came in at 69 cents per share, topping analysts' expectations of 56 cents a share.