North America-to-China airline growth characterised by individualism

The North Atlantic to Europe market is the largest long-haul segment for North American airlines, but it is the Pacific to Asia routes that growth opportunities are the largest. In 2010 there were 392 daily flights between North America and Western Europe, according to OAG.

In 2015, this is forecast to be 441. Between North America and Asia, there were 124 daily flights in 2010 but in 2015 there will be a forecast 178.

These figures must be qualified, but they clearly illustrate the changing North Pacific market. The capacity figures do not reflect profit, which is typically stronger across the Atlantic. For some airlines, North America-Asia has been unprofitable. It has remained and even grown due to "strategic" interests, although the current low fuel price will do much to support profitability on these long, fuel hungry sectors.