Capacity of global airlines 'is increasing'

Date: 16/2/2010

Global airline capacity is increasing because aircraft ordered during the boom time are being delivered now, the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO) has stated.

Last year, Airbus delivered almost 500 new aircraft, while Boeing handed over 481, AITO spokesperson Ian Bradley said.

However, just 271 and 142 new aircraft were ordered respectively during this time period, he added, suggesting that this shows airlines' confidence declined during the year.

His comments come in response to a report from OAG (Official Airline Guide), which stated global airline capacity increased for the sixth month in a row in February 2010.

A total of 272.7 million seats are available this month, five per cent more than February last year.

The low cost sector saw an increase of 6.1 million seats during this time period, with an additional 40,704 flights available.

Mr Bradley predicted that the travel industry is likely to see a slow rate of growth, with confidence gradually returning to the market.