US airlines bullish on prospects for 2022

A culmination of events has spurred an uncertain start for US airlines as 2022 begins, ranging from staffing issues triggered by the Omicron variant of COVID-19 to operational challenges ushered in by typical winter weather.

Even with the challenges stemming from the coronavirus pandemic, domestic air travel recovery in the US continues as the virus moves towards part of regular life - despite some 2,000 daily deaths from COVID-19. OAG and CAPA data suggest the country's domestic ASKs will surpass 2019 levels at the start of the summer 2022 high season, by which time it is hoped the worst of the Omricon strain will have washed through.

Some of the country's airlines are scaling back their near term schedules to alleviate the pressure caused by staffing, and other challenges. But over the longer term US operators remain bullish on their prospects for 2022, despite the rocky start to the year.

In spite of the near term challenges US airlines face, they remain optimistic about demand trends throughout 2022.