Flyers Chat

The Airports Council International released its preliminary results of world airports traffic data for 2010. ACI reports the traffic data under three categories: passenger traffic, cargo and aircraft movements.

As usual, Atlanta (ATL) retained the top spot on passenger traffic. But, Beijing (PEK) dislodged London Heathrow (LHR) to become number two. Beijing grew 13% to take the clear number two spot. Heathrow slipped to number four.

Hong Kong (HKG) overtook Memphis (MEM) as the top cargo airport, which is not a surprise.

US airports continue to dominate in the aircraft movements category, reflecting the fact that smaller regional aircrafts make up a significant part of the carriers fleets.

Do these numbers show any clear trend?

Yes, they do.

• The passenger and cargo traffic are definitely growing to reach the pre-recession levels.

• Asia, especially China, will set the trends in future with North America and Europe slowing down.
• London Heathrow is slowly losing its position as the largest international airport. Dubai (DXB) already claims this title. The other super hubs of Europe, Paris (CDG), Frankfurt (FRA) and Amsterdam (AMS) too will grow slower.
• China’s export machine will propel continued cargo growth at Hong Kong and Shanghai (PVG).
• The US airline industry uses a disproportionate number of smaller aircrafts to transport passengers, making it difficult to drive up efficiency. One example is Charlotte (CLT). The airports ranks number 25 in total passengers, but lands at number 7 in aircraft movements.

Some interesting questions

How would the on going crisis in the Middle East affect Dubai’s astonishing growth curve?

Would the soaring oil price slow down the world economy, especially the US economy, resulting in difficult periods for the US airline industry?

What would be the trend lines in another 10 years? Most airlines would have B787 and A350 type aircrafts in their fleets. Would the Hub-and-Spoke system survive, especially in Europe?

Let’s wait and see!