Flights soar back to 2008 levels, Africa drives growth

Global airlines in March 2010 have more capacity than the same period in March 2008, before the start of the recession, according to recent figures from OAG Aviation.

There will be 303.1 million seats available on flights around the globe this month, up 5 percent from the 289.8 million for the same period last year and beating even the 299.6 million in 2008.

"March capacity is rebounding and 2010 exceeds not only that of a year ago, but of the same month in 2008, before the start of the global recession. This growth in worldwide capacity signals increased confidence in travel demand," said Peter von Moltke, CEO of OAG owner UBM Aviation.

In total there will be four percent more flights in March 2010 than in March 2009, some 2.46 million. The growth has been driven overwhelmingly by Africa, which has posted a dramatic 19 percent increase in seats available to and from the region year on year. Significant growth to Central and South America (18 percent) and the Middle East (17 percent) also boosted growth.

Europe, which was dealt a heavy travel blow during the recession, is also rebounding - the number of flights to and from the region is the highest in ten years. North America, also hard hit, will post a 2 percent increase in flights, with 88,293 movements in and out of the region.

"Even in North America and Europe, where overall growth is lower than the other regions, some of the larger airports such as Berlin Schoenfield, London Gatwick, Fort Lauderdale and Baltimore Washington International, are showing increased capacity," von Moltke concluded.

Website: http://www.oagaviation.com/