ELFAA reports a 12% rise in passenger traffic for 12 months to Jun-2010

European Low Fares Airline Association (ELFAA) reported (09-Sep-2010) that the low-cost sector is "bucking the trend" when it comes to growth in the European aviation industry. For the 12-month period to Jun-2010, ELFAA members recorded a year-on-year growth in passenger numbers of 12%, carrying 167 million passengers across Europe and recording an average load factor of 80.5%. ELFAA added that during Jan-May-2010, legacy airlines recorded a fall of 1.9% in passenger numbers over the same period in 2009.

ELFAA: "These results demonstrate the ever-growing popularity of the low fares model in the eyes of European consumers … Furthermore, it shows how airlines can remain highly competitive, even during difficult economic times, without having to run cap-in-hand to national governments for state-funded handouts, as is the case with some of our competitors … In order to further strengthen the European aviation industry ELFAA urges decision-makers to eliminate regulatory and fiscal barriers, such as unfair passenger taxes, ensuring that competitive businesses such as ours are able to thrive throughout Europe, to the benefit of European economies, regions and - not least - consumers." John Hanlon, Secretary-General. Source: ELFAA, 09-Sep-2010.