Global Aviation Growth Maintains Momentum

CHICAGO, August 8, 2011 -

- Third successive month of identical growth rate, says OAG

The world’s airlines have scheduled 2.77 million flights for August with a total capacity of 351.6 million seats, representing increases of 3% and 5% respectively on August 2010 figures. This is the third successive month global aviation growth has increased by these percentages, according to the latest statistics from OAG, a UBM Aviation brand. The OAG FACTS (Frequency and Capacity Trend Statistics) report for August reveals 90,213 more flights will operate year on year, offering 16.1 million more seats.

“Stability on this scale is very welcome, particularly against an uncertain economic backdrop in many major markets,” said Peter von Moltke, Chief Executive Officer, UBM Aviation. “Aviation planners, encouraged by this steady upward trend, will be keen to explore route development opportunities to maximise their share of passenger demand.”

While this month’s figures point to increasing consumer confidence in a global context, there are some significant variations in regional performance.  

The highest level of intra-regional growth this month is within Africa, with an 11% increase in flights and 9% more seat capacity, followed by Asia with 10% more flights and 7% more capacity.  However, only Africa shows a decline in operations to and from its regional borders with 4% fewer flights and a 3% drop in capacity compared to August 2010.

The Middle East region shows the opposite trend to Africa.  An 8% rise in frequencies and capacity to and from the region outperforms modest intra-regional growth of just 1% capacity on 3% more flights.  

Western Europe appears to be a key factor in these regional differences, with flights to and from major hubs in Africa showing notable declines, compared to double digit increases in capacity between Western Europe and key Middle East hubs.    

A more detailed review of OAG FACTS statistics for August 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/2011/August-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 Expo and Conferences; and must-read aviation publications such as Aircraft Technology Engineering & Maintenance and Airline Fleet Management.  For more information, visit www.ubmaviation.com.  

Andrea Riggs, Corporate Communications, UBM Aviation, +1-917-572-5555, andi.riggs at ubmaviation.com