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airline financial performance in April-May:* Airline share prices slump 15% in May, due to ash plume, but still 50% up on early 2009 low point;
* First quarter financial performance improved significantly for airlines in most regions, except for Europe;
* Jet kerosene prices eased back in May but US$80-100/b range remains much higher than 2009 levels;
* Volcanic ash plume dented strong demand expansion in April, but early data shows May rebound in travel;
* Demand growth exceptional in first quarter so increasing capacity did not prevent new record load factors;
* Fares and cargo rates rising but still 10-15% below pre-recession levels and big differences by market.