AEA: Passenger growth trend continues in the first half of 2013

In the first six months of 2013, passenger numbers of the Association of European Airlines’ (AEA) members increased by 2.9 million, a growth of 1.7% compared to the results of last year. Long-haul passenger traffic to and from Europe increased by 3%, while international short- and medium haul traffic (intra-Europe, Middle-East and North-Africa) posted 3.2% growth.

European airlines are constantly confronted with challenges that jeopardise their profitability. 2013 is a crucial year for our members to overcome these challenges with the implemented cost-cuttings, capacity adjustments and revenue improvements.

Airlines once again exercised considerable capacity constraint. With total scheduled available seat-kilometres growing by just 1.2%, less than half than the rate of RPK traffic growth, resulting in record-high passenger load factors, up by 1.2 % points to 78.8%.

Cargo products carried both on all-cargo aircraft and in passenger aircraft belly space account for 10% of the total commercial revenue of European network carriers. Air freight activity is facing serious challenges: it is still posting negative performance with a decline of 0.2% but more recent monthly trend is showing signs of improvement.

Europe’s network airlines play a vital economic role. They provide reliable business connectivity and support four times as many local jobs as non-European airlines. With European Parliamentary elections due in 2014, along with a new College of Commissioners, 2013 will be the last full year in which the present policy-makers can leave a lasting legacy. “AEA will continue to stress to European policy-makers the need to facilitate the growth and competitiveness of European airlines” said Mr Athar Husain Khan, acting Secretary General of AEA.