European traffic holds up in May

Europe’s recent traffic performance appears to be defying gravity, as we review in this Perspective. It bears remembering that the bulk of the travel in the most recent reporting month of May was booked earlier in the year – prior to the latest round of fare and fuel surcharge hikes. The Association of European Airlines (AEA) is pointing to a more difficult June, although some of the early data shows continued good progress. Undoubtedly, the true challenge for airports and airlines will come after this year’s Summer peak season ends. [1687 words]

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This report contains the following subheadings:

• AEA members report better-than-expected May traffic
• International airline traffic rises 4.1% in May-08, US carriers surge internationally
• Smaller European airports maintain strong May traffic growth
• Freight markets struggling
• Conclusion - A warm fuzzy feeling, but for how long?

This report contains the following charts and tables:

• AEA passenger traffic (RPK) growth on intra-Europe service: Jan-07 to May-08
• Lufthansa, British Airways and Air France-KLM passenger traffic on intro-Europe routes: Jan-08 to Jun-08
• Select European carriers' passenger traffic growth (year-on-year change) and passenger load factor (%): Jun-08
• Europe vs Industry international passenger traffic (RPKs) growth (% change year-on-year): Jun-07 to May-08