CAPA's Annual India Aviation Outlook is keenly anticipated by the industry each year as the leading analysis of the direction of one of the world’s most important emerging markets. CAPA has a strong and established track record in accurately identifying key trends and developments in the Indian market, both on an annual and long term basis. We operate India’s leading dedicated aviation advisory and research practice offering unrivalled analysis and data across the value chain.
Our India Aviation Outlook is used by the leading industry players to shape their strategies and decisions in the market. The 2013/14 edition will be released on 25 May 2013. Click here for more information.
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UK's BAA reported traffic between London Heathrow Airport and countries worst hit by the economic situation in Europe was substantially lower than the same period in 2011 (Reuters, 12-Jun-2012). BAA chief executive Colin Matthews said, "The impact of the euro zone crisis is still being felt with sharp falls in passenger numbers to the worst affected countries and reduced cargo traffic."
Turkish Airlines 1Q revenues grow 28% as losses narrow, but unit costs will be key to FY result
Turkish Airlines cut its 1Q2013 operating loss from TRY173 million to TRY23 million (EUR9.7 million), almost breakeven in the traditionally weakest quarter. Revenues grew 28% on capacity up 21%, with particularly strong growth to Africa, Middle East and Europe. The improved result was driven by unit revenue growth (RASK) as unit costs (CASK) were held flat in spite of higher fuel prices. Earlier this year, the carrier said it did not expect a unit revenue increase for FY2013, so this represents a good start to the year, and ex fuel unit costs will need to remain under control over the rest of the year.
Much of Turkish Airlines’ success has been built on an efficient workforce and the geographic location of the Istanbul hub, which facilitates a global connecting strategy. Both of these elements were visible in 1Q2013, with labour cost growth slower than capacity and transfer passenger growth outpacing the total. Nevertheless, a strike called on 15-May-2013 (albeit with limited impact) and the relentless competitive presence of the Gulf carriers are reminders that this success cannot be taken for granted.
The A380 becomes mainstream, with 103 now in service: which airlines, destinations, stage lengths?
There are 103 A380s in service as of early May-2013. Emirates has 33 and Singapore Airlines has 19, so when assessing network scheduling, these two and their hubs predominate: of the 1,048 weekly A380 flights, 402 are from Emirates alone. Dubai and Singapore airport see the most A380 flights.
But there are some less predictable statistics. The airport to see the most A380 operators is Hong Kong followed by Paris and Los Angeles. The largest A380 destination that is not (yet) an A380-hub is London Heathrow. The UK and USA are the most common A380 destinations after Australia, Singapore and the UAE. Asia, not the Middle East, sees the most A380 flights; South America sees none. Guangzhou-Shanghai Pudong is the shortest A380 route at 1,202km while Los Angeles-Melbourne is the longest at 12,751km. Qantas and Lufthansa have the highest average sector length while Thai Airways is placing the most number of cycles – about two – on its aircraft per day. Qantas and Air France are placing the least (just over one).