Hedge funds seeking to take advantage of turbulence in the global aviation industry have lost almost EUR800 million in August, according to data from Ortex Analytics. Analysis of short positions against the world’s 10 largest airlines throughout 2020 shows hedge funds lost EUR791.6 million in August. The losses reduced total returns YTD from the group by over a third, however hedge funds remain EUR1.4 billion in profit. A large proportion of this (EUR1.2 billion) came from short positions in March as international travel restrictions came into effect as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Peter Hillerberg, co-founder of Ortex Analytics, says: “This year has no doubt been the most difficult on record for the aviation industry. Hedge funds were quick to capitalise on the impact of travel restrictions and made significant profit as a result. However, what we’ve seen in recent months is a reversal of fortunes as short sellers made substantial losses in June and August. Although there is still much uncertainty about the reopening of international travel, when it comes to short profits, hedge funds should remember something airline pilots know for certain, what goes up must come down.”
