U.S., Dec. 11 -- The International Air Transport Association (IATA) forecast that the global airline industry will produce a net profit of $29.3 billion in 2020, improved over a net profit of $25.9 billion expected in 2019 (revised downward from a $28 billion forecast in June). If achieved, 2020 will mark the industry's 11th consecutive year in the black.

Highlights of expected 2020 industry performance include:

* The return on invested capital is forecast to be 6.0% (improved from 5.7% expected in 2019).

* The net profit margin is forecast at 3.4% (up from 3.1% for 2019).

* Overall industry revenues are forecast to reach $872 billion (+4.0% on $838 billion in 2019).

* Industry operating expenses are projected to climb 3.5% to $823 b...