Home » Aviation News » European international travel grows by impressive 10.3% led by Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa and British Airways
Thursday, July 4, 2024
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The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported that global passenger demand increased significantly in May 2024, with total demand measured in Revenue Passenger Kilometers (RPK) surging 10.7% compared to May 2023. Capacity calculated in Available Seat Kilometers (ASK) also increased 8.5% year-on-year. Load factor reached an astounding 83.4%, up 1.7 percentage points year-on-year and the highest on record for May.
Economic background and impact:
International demand was particularly strong, increasing 14.6% year-on-year. This growth coincided with a 14.1% increase in capacity and a 0.3 percentage point increase in load factor to 82.8%. Domestic demand grew 4.7%, but capacity only increased 0.1%, with load factor increasing 3.8 percentage points to 84.5%.
This surge in travel reflects the industry preparing for an early peak season, as evidenced by an approximately 6% increase in ticket sales in May. Airlines are working to meet growing demand and ensure a smooth travel experience throughout the busy northern hemisphere summer season. However, significant challenges lie ahead, particularly for air traffic control service providers (ANSPs). Even before the peak of the season, Europe had already experienced 5.2 million minutes of air traffic control delays, highlighting ongoing operational challenges. Similarly, the United States experienced significant disruption over the Memorial Day weekend, with 32,000 flight delays.
European airlines performed well with demand up 11.7% year-on-year, capacity increased 11.3% and load factor improved slightly by 0.3 percentage points to 84.7%. Europe’s busiest airport, London Heathrow, further demonstrates this growth, with a combined domestic and international capacity of 4.3 million seats, solidifying its position as a central hub for global air travel. The data highlights the vital importance of improving ANSP performance to meet airline and traveller expectations, highlighting the pivotal role that both airlines and service providers play in the travel ecosystem.
Best European Airlines 2024
Turkish Airlines:
Turkish Airlines stands out for connecting more countries than any other airline in the world thanks to its extensive network. Renowned for its excellent service and outstanding in-flight cuisine, Turkish Airlines carried 6.3 million passengers in January 2024, a 2.7% increase compared to the previous year.
After a steep decline in 2020 due to the pandemic, Turkish Airlines has recovered quickly, flying 45 million passengers in 2021 and surging to 72 million in 2022. This strong growth includes a 12% increase in operating profit and a 15% increase in revenue. With a fleet of 132 aircraft, the airline’s AnadoluJet brand now serves 119 destinations across five continents.
Aiming for further expansion, Turkish Airlines recently launched a new US route to Denver and ordered 220 Airbus aircraft, strengthening its global footprint from its base at Istanbul Airport.
Air France:
With its stylish cabin design and exquisite cuisine, Air France embodies French elegance in air travel. The Air France-KLM Group is essential to the economic revitalization of France and the Netherlands, generating a significant economic impact in both countries of 70.8 billion euros in 2023.
The Group’s strategic purchase of 50 Airbus A350s (with an option for a further 40) will modernise its fleet, replace older aircraft and improve operational efficiency – a move that underlines Air France’s commitment to sustainability and contributing to the economy.
British Airways:
British Airways is a leader in global air travel, with a strong British heritage, an extensive global network and a commitment to excellent customer service. The airline operates a fleet of fuel-efficient Airbus A350 aircraft that significantly reduces noise and emissions in line with environmental targets.
In 2024, British Airways will expand its routes from key UK airports and return to London Stansted Airport, enhancing its global connectivity. The airline, which will generate revenue of GBP 14.3 billion in 2023, continues to innovate by adding the latest Airbus A321neo to its fleet.
Lufthansa:
Germany’s flagship airline, Lufthansa, is renowned for its engineering excellence and reliability. For 2023, the Lufthansa Group reported a 5% increase in revenue to €7.4 billion, despite challenges from labor disputes.
Lufthansa is modernizing its fleet with the A220 and Boeing 737-8 MAX, known for their fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, demonstrating its commitment to sustainable aviation. With 450 A320 Family aircraft already in service and more on order, Lufthansa continues to strengthen its position in European and international markets.
London Heathrow:
London Heathrow, Europe’s busiest airport, offers 4.3 million seats for domestic and international travellers.
Tags: Air France, Airbus A350, airline news, Boeing 737-8 MAX, British Airways, business travel, Europe news, Geneva, Germany, International Air Transport Association, London Heathrow, Lufthansa, travel news, Turkish Airlines
