Analyst: Beijing Is Set To Oust Atlanta As World's Busiest Airport

This month's analysis of the OAG schedules database indicates that airlines worldwide will operate 1% more flights in April 2012, compared to April 2011. The total number of scheduled flights operating in April 2012 is 2,553,480 with an overall seat offering of 328,335,126 an increase of 3% as compared to April 2011. This marks the eleventh consecutive month of growth, according to the latest statistics from OAG, a UBM Aviation brand.

The OAG FACTS (Frequency and Capacity Trend Statistics) for April 2012 reveals that whilst the global picture remains encouraging, the trends on a regional basis vary significantly in performance. Capacity development within Europe and North America remains sluggish, compared to the Asia, Middle East and Latin American markets. Indicative of this trend and the economic growth pattern within China, is the continuing race for the number one airport spot which Atlanta looks set to relinquish this year to Beijing after 15 years at the top.

"The Chinese air travel market has the potential to grow 10 times from where it is today, assuming China will reach a similar level of propensity to travel as Europe and the US," said John Grant, EVP OAG UBM Aviation. "If increased infrastructure demands can be met, the Chinese aviation market has the future potential to grow to over 4 times the size of the US air travel market."

FMI: www.oagaviation.com/OAG-FACTS/2012/April-Executive-Summary