Global Airline Capacity Growth Continues as Air Travel Expands in Asia Pacific

According to information released by OAG, an industry icon known for comprehensive information and services provided to the world’s airlines, airports, aircraft manufacturers and travel companies, the growth in scheduled flights worldwide continues again in February with airlines providing 5% more flights.

The air travel growth trend is in line with the general worldwide trend for larger aircraft. The growth translates to a slightly larger capacity increase of 6%, which often leads to more discount airline tickets for some airlines, as the average available seats in February 2012 nudges towards 127 per aircraft versus 125 in the same period last year.

According to OAG, this marks the ninth consecutive month of growth compared to the same period last year.

Frequency and Capacity Trend Statistics (FACTS) for February 2012 indicate that most of the airline growth is happening outside of the United States. The largest increase in demand growth is in Central and South America and across the Middle East. The three areas of the world posted double-digit growth.

One the Asia Pacific travel volume growth surpasses the numbers seen in the aforementioned regions. With growth increase of 8.9 million seats in February compared the same time last year, Asia Pacific and South America represent 64% of the total worldwide volume growth.

“The exponential growth in Asia Pacific is representative of the increased mobility of businesses and people alike within the region and reflects their increasing economic confidence,” said Phil Callow, Chief Executive Officer UBM Aviation. “As Beijing continues its surge towards claiming the number one spot from Atlanta, the Asia Pacific aviation communities must address their infrastructure plans to ensure that the increasing demand continues to be met.”

Full information released by OMG is available for download at the company web site and includes information, commentary and charts about specific airports, routes, countries and regions worldwide. http://www.oagaviation.com/OAG-FACTS/2012/February-Executive-Summary.