LONDON – Data from RadarBox shows that the number of commercial flights has increased by 30% compared to the same period in 2021.
The data above highlights that between May 21-28, around 88,474 commercial flights were recorded, which is 30.81% better than the same period in 2021 at 67,634 movements.
Such a figure of the thirties has been a consistent average for movement increases in the month of May, which can be exemplified below:
- April 30-May 7: 87,895 movements (+32.91% increase).
- May 7-14: 88,262 movements (+35.53% increase).
- May 14-21: 88,593 movements (+31.73% increase).
Positive News But Challenges Ahead…
This is, of course, positive news, but as we have seen in the UK and the US, there are still quite some challenges to solve first off.
For example, in the last week, we have seen flights from easyJet affected by IT failures, as well as Delta Air Lines planning to remove 100 daily flights throughout the Summer.
We have also seen chaos in airports, notably in Schiphol Airport with KLM having to suspend sales of tickets, amongst other things.
And, even today, there is a threat of strike action, which can be exemplified by today’s news from British Airways that its check-in staff is balloting for a pay strike.
U.S-Europe Flights In Triple-Digit Growth…
Flights between the United States and Europe have experienced triple-digit growth this week, compared to the same period last year.
1,076 movements were recorded by the flight tracking company, which is a +142.89% increase compared to the same period in 2021 when only 443 movements were recorded.
Such triple-digit growth has been also very consistent for May, with the following numbers being recorded throughout that month:
- April 30-May 7: 974 movements (+123.39%)
- May 7-14: 1,024 movements (+136.49%)
- May 14-21: 1,049 movements (+143.95%)
You can also see that the percentages still continue to grow, which will no doubt be a continuing factor as we get further into the Summer 2022 season.
Latin American Travel Popular from Europe…
Travel between Europe and Latin America also seems to be on the rise as well, with there being a +94.19% increase last week compared to the same period in 2021.
Throughout the rest of May, this segment also secured triple-digit growth too:
- April 30-May 7: 314 movements (+118.06% increase).
- May 7-14: 301 movements (+111.97% increase).
- May 14-21: 304 movements (+106.80% increase).
The percentage increases seem to be dipping, but again this will probably increase as we progress through the Summer season.
Overall…
What remains clear is that the sector is on the up, as numbers are strengthening well and are showing signs that we are coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, we do have some challenges that we need to contend with, especially if we want a far smoother process for Summer 2022 operations.
That aspect is the important element, because if we don’t get things under control, then consumer confidence will reduce as holidaymakers will be less reluctant to make plans because of the carnage that may ensue.
