Alaska Air forecasts bigger-than-expected fourth-quarter loss on soaring fuel costs

CHICAGO, Oct 20 (Reuters) - Alaska Air Group on Tuesday forecast a bigger-than-expected fourth-quarter loss as soaring fuel costs continued to squeeze its profits despite strong travel demand and higher fares.

The carrier expects an adjusted loss of $2 to $2.50 per share for the quarter, compared with analysts’ average estimate of a loss of $1.04 per share, according to data compiled by LSEG.