12 June 2009

Airline capacity figures look more positive

The rate of decline in airline seat capacity has slowed in June, according to the latest figures from OAG.

Although airline schedules have been cut for an 11th consecutive month, seat capacity is down by 2% this month.

In comparison, global year-on-year capacity reductions had remained at 3% every month since November 2008, apart from a sharp 7% decline in February this year.

The total number of flights scheduled to operate worldwide this month has dropped 4% to 2.43 million, offering 297.5 million seats to travelers around the globe.

But OAG said this does not necessarily signal the start of a recovery for the industry.

"As the Northern Hemisphere begins its summer holiday season, the airline community is curbing its capacity cuts in anticipation of a welcome boost in air travel,ââ¬~ said David Beckerman, vice president OAG Market Intelligence.

ââ¬ÅâœHowever, we shouldn't assume that this is the start of recovery and growth; the outlook remains uncertain and figures are still down year-on-year, but it does indicate a glimmer of economic confidence."

By Bev Fearis

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• Recovery in sight?
  
  

  Blessed the people who believe in a significant change by this year. Just fuel prices turn mad again - at a time where the industry already is battling for survival!

  By andreas w. schulz, Monday, June 15, 2009