LCCs are going from strength to strength in Europe, LCC model is a growth model: ELFAA

European Low Fares Airline Association (ELFAA) stated (05-Sep-2013) LCCs are providing the right product for the European market supported by a "sizeable" increase in passenger traffic for the eighth consecutive year. The number of passengers travelling on ELFAA airlines grew by 6.7% year-on-year in Jul-2013, a period which also saw a 10% increase in the number of aircraft operated by ELFAA members, in order to meet the burgeoning demand. ELFAA secretary general John Hanlon said: "These figures demonstrate that ELFAA members are going from strength to strength and are offering consumers what they want, namely affordable and reliable travel...We constantly hear about how airlines today are suffering from economic slowdown, and yet low cost airlines are shown to be bucking this trend...Clearly, the low cost model is a growth model and is even being replicated by flag carriers - yet some of these carriers still feel compelled to go cap-in-hand to governments asking for state handouts. This hampers the development of a level-playing field and punishes both successful airlines that operate at a profit, as well as consumers who are forced to pay higher ticket prices." [more - original PR]