United to record $90m charge related to Hong Kong routes

United said Tuesday it expects a non-cash impairment charge of $90m in Q4 related to its Hong Kong routes, following anti-government protests in the city. The Hong Kong protests escalated in June over a now-withdrawn extradition bill, but have since developed into a broader movement. "Due to a decrease in demand for the Hong Kong market and the resulting decrease in unit revenue, the company determined that the value of its Hong Kong routes had been fully impaired," the US carrier said. Several airlines including India's SpiceJet, Malaysia's AirAsia Group, South Korea's JejuAir reduced the number of flights to the city in Q4 as the protests grew increasingly violent, disrupting daily life.<br/>