UK: Massive increase in “no-frills” services over last 12 months
The number of flights in and out of the UK has increased much faster than the average increase across the world, with a massive hike in the number of “no-frills” services – but growth may be slowing down.
According to the flight information company OAG, UK flights increased nine per cent between March 2002 and March 2003, with the number of services provided by low-cost carriers jumping by some 42 per cent. The average global increase was just one per cent, compared to a five per cent rise in the year to December 2002. Transatlantic flights increased in number by seven per cent, with traffic from Heathrow to north America increasing by 11 per cent.
Lynne Fraser, of OAG, said: “In the last decade the industry has expanded at an incredible rate. There are now more flights, carriers and people in the air than ever before, despite the difficulties the industry has been facing. Our report indicates that this continued worldwide growth may be slowing down.
“We must also bear in mind that the current conflict in the Gulf may have a further impact on the number of scheduled flights. However, the industry has proved resilient before and we are confident of its future as a whole.”
