Global Analysis

Based on the latest analysis of scheduled data from OAG, global scheduled airline capacity between January and April is expected to 4% higher in 2012 compared to the same period in 2011 and overall global seat capacity now stands well above the previous peak in 2008.

Source: OAG

Looking at trends on a regional basis reveals significant variance in performance. Capacity development within Europe, and North America, remains sluggish, compared to other regions in the world.

Source: OAG

Looking at the European Market, recovery from the 2009 recession is slow. Capacity to destinations outside of Europe is greater than the 2008 levels. However capacity development within Europe remains cautious, reflecting the economic uncertainty surrounding the European economy.

Source: OAG

Regional Analysis: North America

The picture emerging from North America is even more cautious. Domestic and international capacity has been effectively static since 2009. Further capacity cuts are likely to be seen this year as the full impact of American Airlines going into Chapter 11, bankruptcy protection.

Source: OAG.

Beijing positioned to overtake Atlanta

Looking at the top 15 world airports for seat capacity, the difference in capacity development performance is marked between those hubs in North America and Europe compared to those in other parts of the world. Beijing is now the second largest airport in seat capacity terms in the world after Atlanta and in 2012, 7 out of the 15 top airports in the world are now in regions outside of Europe and Asia

Source:OAG

Compare this to the picture 10 years ago in 2003, when only 3 out of the top 15 airports were located in areas outside of North America and Europe.

Source:OAG

Regional Analysis: Europe

Within Europe, differences in economic performance and the fortunes of home based carriers is reflected in capacity development from each country. Russia, the Ukraine and Turkey’ strong double digit growth in seat capacity reflects the strength of their respective economies and trickle-down effect of raising their population’s propensity to travel.

For many recent entrants to the EU, the converse is true. The continued harsh economic climate in Western Europe is curtailing the flows of guest workers and associated VFR traffic. The fierce competition from the major low cost carriers has increased the pressure on legacy European carriers with the likes of LOT and Czech airlines in the process of major re-structuring and forcing Spanair and Malev into bankruptcy. At Budapest, capacity is still down 25% year on year and has forced them to consolidate operations from two terminals into one

Source: OAG

Printer friendly version:   OAG FACTS Executive Summary April 2012

OAG FACTS was compiled by ASM using OAG data.