AEA:passenger numbers down 4.5% in Sep-2009; "foundations crumbling", tens of thousands lose jobs
Association of European Airlines (AEA) reports (17-Nov-2009) the following traffic highlights for its member airlines in Sep-09:
- Passenger numbers: 29.6 million, -4.5% year-on-year;
- RPKs: -3.4%;
- ASKs: -5%;
- Passenger load factor: 79%, +1.4 ppts. [more]
Association of European Airlines: "The foundations for a sustainable European air transport sector are crumbling. Portions of our industry are close to collapse - indeed, we have seen failures among premium carriers, leisure carriers, no-frills and cargo airlines. Some network airlines are ceasing to exist as independent entities. Others are exiting markets that they will not re-enter. Secondary markets are losing service. Tens of thousands of people employed by or sustained by the airlines are losing their jobs…The AEA airlines, collectively, have failed to make a profit in the summer, leaving them ill-prepared to face what will be a heavily unprofitable winter. Decision-makers must realise that a key European resource is under threat and steps must be taken - now - to act positively and decisively to create the conditions under which prosperity can be restored as quickly as possible." Mr Ulrich Schulte-Strathaus, AEA Secretary General. Source: AEA, 17-Nov-2009