Marginal growth in airline capacity - OAG
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Global airline capacity is showing marginal growth for August 2009, the first month of positive growth for a year, according to the latest OAG monthly report. The world’s airlines have 314.2 million seats on offer this month, a rise of 0.2% (472,839 more seats) from August 2008. Within this global figure, low cost carriers (LCCs) account for 461,669 flights (18.2%) and 68.6 million seats (21.8%), both up by 2% compared to a year ago.
Figures for Asia also show a contrast between services within, and to/from the region. Intra-regionally, frequencies are up by 6% (32,003 more flights) year-on-year, with a rise of 7% in capacity (5.8 million more seats). For services to and from the region, there is a 2% drop in capacity on 3% fewer flights. In the Middle East region flights and capacity to and from the region are up by 13% and 14% respectively, representing 5,833 more flights and 1.3 million more seats than in August 2008. Flights and seats offered within the region are up by 19% and 18% respectively.
David Beckerman, Vice President OAG Market Intelligence, said; “After a year of capacity cutbacks, it is encouraging to see positive numbers in the year-on-year comparisons. August is traditionally one of the busiest months for air travel, and it will be interesting to see if the steady upward trend we have seen since May continues.”
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