Special Activity Airspace Expected To Be Opened To Ease Congestion

The Air Transport Association of America (ATA), the industry trade organization for the leading U.S. airlines, announced today that it expects 43.6 million passengers to travel on U.S. carriers over the upcoming winter holidays, up approximately 3 percent from the 42.3 million passengers estimated to have flown during the same period in 2009.

Daily passenger volumes are expected to range from 1.7 million to 2.3 million during the holiday. The busiest days are expected to be Dec. 21-23, Dec. 26-30 and Jan. 2 and 3, based on sample data from the 2009 winter holiday period. On the busiest days, average load factors may approach 90 percent.

"With demand for air travel showing signs of improvement, airlines are hoping to see industry profitability continue into 2011," said ATA President and CEO James C. May. "A sustained return of industry profits would enable the kind of investment that will benefit air transportation for the long term, which would help everyone."

ATA is expecting the federal government, once again, to open up Special Activity Airspace (SAS) on an as-needed basis to help ease congestion, especially during winter weather. SAS also was made available over the Thanksgiving holiday.

May encouraged passengers to pack light, to check their flight status before leaving for the airport, and to remember to arrive early to allow plenty of time for check-in and security screening.

FMI: www.airlines.org