This month sees the biggest number of worldwide flights so far recorded, with 2.51 million timetabled, according to new research by OAG.
The new record – a 5% increase on April 2007 – tops the previous industry high of 2.49 million, recorded in August 2006, and represents an additional 113,827 flights and 17.7 million extra seats.
OAG’s Quarterly Airline Traffic Statistics show the low-cost sector has achieved a 22% increase in flights, with over 70,000 more flights year-on-year and an extra 12 million low-cost seats, up 26%.
The low-cost sector now accounts for 16% of all flights worldwide and one in five of all airline seats. In 2001, low-cost carriers accounted for 6% of all flights.
In Europe there are over 29,000 more flights, or 5.5 million more seats, an increase of 5% and 8% respectively over May 2006.
Asia-Pacific shows strong growth, with 38,000 more flights and 6.2 million seats, increases of 8% and 9% respectively.
Growth is particularly strong in the Middle East (up 13%, with 0.5 million extra seats) and for international flights to and from Africa (up 14%, with 600,000 more seats).
Transatlantic traffic for May 2007 shows one of the highest increases of all the major routes, up 6%, offering an additional 420,000 seats.
OAG managing director Duncan Alexander said: “This healthy growth bodes very well for the future. This is great news from a traveller’s viewpoint, with much more competition and choice.”
Data for the survey is compiled from more than 1,000 scheduled airlines on a daily basis.
