Asia-Pacific, Europe Both Show More Growth In Airline Seat Capacity

Aviation analyst OAG reports in the August 2010 edition of OAG FACTS that scheduled airline seat capacity grew within North America for the first time since 2007. Seat capacity for the month increased 1% over August 2009, to a total of 79.9 million seats available within North America. Frequency also increased 1% for a total of 885,078 scheduled flights. Seat capacity to and from North America has been slightly stronger, growing 4% to 19.1 million in August.

Throughout the region, though, growth remains flat in major markets including Dallas Fort Worth and Las Vegas McCarran with seat capacity remaining unchanged (0%). Atlanta and San Francisco both experienced a 1% increase in seat capacity. Miami, however, was an exception growing 5% over the same period a year ago.

"North America, the most mature aviation market and until recently the largest, trails all other regions in seat capacity growth. This region is now the third largest aviation market in the world, with combined domestic and international capacity of 99 million seats, falling behind Asia Pacific with 109.6 million seats, and Europe with 105.5 million," said Peter von Moltke, Chief Executive Officer, UBM Aviation, parent company of OAG.

Hong Kong Approach

OAG reports that growth is strongest again this month for the Asia Pacific region, which has led air travel growth throughout the decade. August 2010 seat growth in the Asia Pacific region will be 10% above last year, 18% above 2007 and 74% above 2001. China (including Hong Kong and Macau) continues to lead the region with growth of a phenomenal 175% since 2001, almost tripling seat capacity as the Chinese economy grew to second largest in the world. August seat capacity growth was strong in markets throughout Asia again this month including Shanghai (14%), Beijing (8%), and Hong Kong (7%).

Europe continues to grow on both the domestic and international fronts. Capacity within Europe will rise 7% to a total of 78.9 million seats, on an increase in flights of 5% with more than 600 thousand flights added during the month of August. The number of seats scheduled to and from Europe will increase 7% to 26.6 million, and flights scheduled will increase 8% to a total of 118,433. Markets within Europe with notable capacity growth were Rome, (9%), Frankfurt (6%) and Amsterdam (6%).

Worldwide, seat capacity and frequency are scheduled to grow by 7% and 6%, respectively. Total seat capacity will increase to 335.5 million, and frequency to a total 2.7 million flights.

www.oag.com