Rate Of Increase Remains The Same For The Third Consecutive Month, Says OAG

The world's airlines have scheduled 2.77 million flights for August with a total capacity of 351.6 million seats, representing increases of 3% and 5% respectively on August 2010 figures. This is the third successive month global aviation growth has increased by these percentages, according to the latest statistics from aviation analyst OAG. The OAG FACTS (Frequency and Capacity Trend Statistics) report for August reveals 90,213 more flights will operate year on year, offering 16.1 million more seats.

"Stability on this scale is very welcome, particularly against an uncertain economic backdrop in many major markets," said Peter von Moltke, Chief Executive Officer, UBM Aviation, parent company of OAG. "Aviation planners, encouraged by this steady upward trend, will be keen to explore route development opportunities to maximise their share of passenger demand."

While this month's figures point to increasing consumer confidence in a global context, there are some significant variations in regional performance. The highest level of intra-regional growth this month is within Africa, with an 11% increase in flights and 9% more seat capacity, followed by Asia with 10% more flights and 7% more capacity.  However, only Africa shows a decline in operations to and from its regional borders with 4% fewer flights and a 3% drop in capacity compared to August 2010.

The Middle East region shows the opposite trend to Africa.  An 8% rise in frequencies and capacity to and from the region outperforms modest intra-regional growth of just 1% capacity on 3% more flights. 

Western Europe appears to be a key factor in these regional differences, with flights to and from major hubs in Africa showing notable declines, compared to double digit increases in capacity between Western Europe and key Middle East hubs.   

FMI: www.oagaviation.com/OAG-FACTS/2011/August-Executive-Summary