Standard & Poor's Ratings Services said Thursday that of the airlines it rates, British Airways PLC will feel the most immediate impact of the thwarted terrorist plan to attack passenger planes traveling between Britain and the U.S.
British Airways, whose main hub is located at London's Heathrow Airport, will likely see lost revenue and added costs, the agency said.
"U.S. airlines, which some reports indicate were targets of the plot, will likely suffer some loss of revenue, as well," S&P added in a statement.
S&P said the events did not change its ratings and outlooks on the airlines. The agency rates British Airways "BB+."
The agency added that any successful attacks or the discovery of further threats could have credit implications for the companies. S&P rates American Airlines Inc., United Air Lines Inc. and Continental Airlines Inc. at "B" and Delta Air Lines Inc. at "D." These constitute the main U.S. airlines serving London airports.
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"Fortunately, the summer travel season is mostly complete and virtually all trips planned by vacation travelers this month have already been booked," the agency said. "Still, the news reports and raising the U.S. security level to red are likely to cause widespread concern and some reduced bookings."
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