Low Cost Sector Bolsters Global Airline Growth

CHICAGO, June 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Growth in scheduled airline operations is showing some signs of slowing compared to earlier months this year, according to the latest statistics from OAG, a UBM Aviation brand. The OAG FACTS (Frequency and Capacity Trend Statistics) report for June reveals that global seat capacity will be 5% higher than the same month in 2010, or 16.1 million more seats, with 3% more flights.  Last month's figures were 6% and 4.2% respectively.  Capacity and frequency figures for the low cost sector, however, both show a rise of 9% this month, reflecting the consistent load factor performance that this business model tends to produce.

More than one flight in every five worldwide is now operated by a low cost carrier (LCC). Europe has the highest regional penetration with 28.2% of total flights operated by LCCs.  There is now significant LCC presence in South America where 22.7% of published flights for June are in the low cost sector.  The conservative overall growth rates in North America this month hide a story of continued LCC expansion, with US to International seat capacity increasing by 18%. Figures for Africa, although comparatively low, reveal a significant year on year rise of 42% in LCC flights this month, while low cost operators account for a substantial 60% market share of India's domestic flight capacity.

"At the year mid-point we are seeing some interesting trends emerging for 2011," said Peter von Moltke, Chief Executive Officer, UBM Aviation.  "Geo-political instabilities and natural disasters have – not surprisingly – prompted dips in regional activity, while some markets, such as Brazil and Vietnam, are showing stronger economic and airline performance than we have seen for some time.  Across the board, the low cost sector is a major influence in sustaining a steady growth trajectory for the global aviation industry."

Looking at the main hub airports by scheduled capacity, Atlanta remains the world's busiest airport with a projected 9.6m seats available for passengers in June 2011. A noticeable feature this month is a reduction in the number of flights (down by 2%) accompanied by a 4% increase in overall seat capacity at the airport. This is undoubtedly a reflection of the growing move by network carriers such as Delta to move away from smaller capacity jets to larger aircraft – particularly as increased fuel prices begin to bite.  Moscow Domodedevo's success in attracting carriers to operate 22 new routes from the airport is illustrated by a remarkable 672,000 additional seats available this month.

A more detailed review of OAG FACTS statistics for June 2011 – including information, commentary and charts about specific airports, routes, countries and regions worldwide – is available to download now at www.oagaviation.com/OAG-FACTS-June-2011-Executive-Summary.  OAG FACTS provides a visual snapshot of airline activity around the world, updated monthly. It uses interactive graphs to display 10-year performance trends, sourced from OAG's consolidated database of global airline schedules.

Notes to Editors:

About OAG

OAG, a UBM Aviation brand, is the trusted source for aviation information and analytical services, with data sourced from OAG's comprehensive and proprietary airline Schedules, Flight Status, Fleet, MRO and Cargo Logistics databases.  Our airline schedules database holds future and historical flight details for over 1,000 airlines and more than 4,000 airports. Our aggregated data feeds the world's global distribution systems and travel portals, and drives the internal systems of many airlines, airports, air traffic control systems, aircraft manufacturers, and government agencies around the world.  For more information, visit www.oag.com.

About UBM Aviation

UBM Aviation, a UBM company, brings together buyers and sellers of air travel and transport through our portfolio of products and services.  We specialize in the supply of data, analytics, consulting services, events and media related to the global aviation industry. Our leading brands include the official provider of aviation data and analytics, OAG;  a leading provider of solutions for the air freight industry, OAG Cargo; the world-renowned provider of airport route development forums, marketing and networking events, Routes; the leading route development consultancy firm, Airport Strategy & Marketing (ASM); an international program of aviation exhibitions and conferences including the Airline Purchasing & Maintenance Conference & Expo; and must-read aviation publications such as Aircraft Technology Engineering & Maintenance and Airline Fleet Management.  For more information, visit www.ubmaviation.com.

SOURCE UBM Aviation