[THE INVESTOR] NH Investment & Securities on Sept. 8 forecast that domestic carriers will post record operating profit in the third quarter.

Rising passenger traffic and frequency of flights will contribute to the quarterly earnings.

In August, the number of passenger traffic via Incheon International Airport reached 543.85 million, up 22.6 percent on-year. The number of international flights reached 29,939, up 18.4 percent on-year.

Korean Air’s passenger traffic rose 5.6 percent to 147.86 million in August, while Asiana Airlines rose 9.2 percent to 114.29 million.

Analysts are of the opinion that the surging jet fuel rates and stronger won may be favorable for Korean carriers.

By Kim Ji-hyun (jemmie@heraldcorp.com)