European airlines: growth in seats & fleet in service slows. LCCs lead

Europe's fleet of active passenger jets increased by 52% from the end of Jan-2021 to 22-Nov-2021. However, it is still 8% smaller than at the end of Jan-2020.

Europe's airlines now have 88% of their passenger jets in service, versus 84% for the world, according to the CAPA Fleet Database. The figure for Europe has increased from 52% at the end of Jan-2021, when the world average was 60%.

Out in front on this measure among Europe's leading airline groups are Ryanair and Wizz Air, each with 99% in service. Air France-KLM has 93%, easyJet 88%, Lufthansa Group 85%, and IAG just 83%.

Seat numbers for Europe have progressed from c.25% of 2019 levels in Jan/Feb-2021 to 71.6% in the week of 22-Nov-2021 (i.e. -28.4% versus 2019).

Europe remains fourth in the regional capacity recovery ranking. Below Europe are Asia Pacific, where capacity is down by 40.4%, and the Middle East, down by 31.3%. Ahead of Europe are Africa, down by 25.5%; Latin America, down by 16.3%; and North America, down by 12.3%.

Europe's airlines have made strong progress with both seat capacity and aircraft in service throughout 2021. However, momentum on both measures has slowed.