Brent crude topped $102/bbl on Thursday, the highest intraday level since May
22, after global crude rose above $100/bbl. BofA Asia‑Pacific transport research
head Nathan Gee said the recent rise in jet fuel could keep forward air fares
elevated through the year‑end holiday peak by extending airline cost pressure.
Airlines report strong recent demand; Cathay Pacific said demand remained robust
last month. Jeffrey Goh, managing director at Alton Aviation Consultancy, warned
that if oil continues higher, travel demand will eventually soften because
carriers cannot indefinitely pass costs to passengers.