Despite the addition or re-launch of more than 2,000 routes worldwide, the airline industry continues to cut capacity amid a faltering economy, according to the OAG (Official Airline Guide) fourth-quarter analysis of global airline activity.
Figures released last Thursday by OAG paint a mixed picture of the global airline industry, with airlines struggling to find the right balance of cuts and route changes to maximize profits as passenger numbers decline.
Carriers worldwide plan to operate half a million fewer flights in October and December than in the same period last year. In addition, more than 200 airports across the globe will cease offering services, and 15 million seats are being cut in Asia alone.
Domestic routes in the United States have been the hardest hit, with 265,000 fewer flights (or 21 million fewer seats), which equates to a 59 percent decline from last year.
“This decline is a stark reminder that the global economic crisis is taking its toll on aviation and air travel,” said Steve Casley, chief operating officer of OAG in a public statement.
At the same time, approximately 2,092 routes were launched (or re-launched) internationally between October 2007 and October 2008, which equates to a total of 17,463 flights per week and a combined capacity of 1.8 million seats.
“Despite the current climate, airlines and airports are continuing to identify new market opportunities where they can expand their route networks,” said David Beckerman, Vice President of OAG Analytical Services.
“It is interesting to see that, despite what is currently happening in the domestic U.S. sector, half of the top 10 new routes worldwide originate or terminate in North America,” Beckerman added.
The highest ranking new intercontinental route that originates in North America is between Houston George Bush airport and London Heathrow, with 56 flights per week.
Asia and the Middle East also figured prominently in the top rankings, with routes between Tehran and Istanbul, London and Frankfurt placing fourth, seventh, and tenth, respectively, and flights between Hong Kong and India and China also coming in near the top.
The busiest new route by frequency was between Port of Spain and Tobago airports in Trinidad & Tobago, with 281 flights per week.
By Karen Elowitt for PeterGreenberg.com.
Related links: Wall Street Journal, OAG, Telegraph (UK), FTN News, Boston Globe
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