Dublin Airport

US carriers to slash fourth quarter trans-Atlantic capacity as Europe's outlook dims

Increasing economic uncertainty in Europe has resulted in US carriers pulling back capacity to the continent later this year to proactively contain losses and a drop-off in traffic that could result from the increasing likelihood of Greece’s exit from the euro zone and the Euro falling to a two-year low against the US dollar. Delta has already stated its goal to reduce capacity 5% across the Atlantic during the fourth quarter, while United has already instituted schedule changes that show a pull-down in secondary European markets. US Airways, which during the last year has enjoyed marked success in its trans-Atlantic business segment, has not declared any plans regarding its capacity to Europe later in the year. But the carrier is launching several seasonal services on the back of its strong performance in the European market.

Trade group Airlines for America (A4A) estimates that during the fourth quarter of this year US carriers will reduce their capacity to Europe by 7.8% as they attempt to better manage seasonality and stave off effects of a recession on the continent. This change is significant as Western Europe is still the largest international market from the US.

Global Airport Development preview: 'Y Viva Aeropuertos Espanoles'

Oh this year I'm off to Sunny Spain, Y Viva Espana!
I'm taking the Costa Brava 'plane, Y Viva Espana!
If you'd like to chat a matador, in some cool cabana And meet senoritas by the score, Espana por favor!!♪

(A 1970’s song popularised by Sylvia Vrethammar, which unaccountably sold over one million copies.)

The 18th Annual Global Airport Development (GAD) conference gets under way in Barcelona, Spain on 07-Nov-2011, running through until 11-Nov. Last year’s event, in Dublin, was dominated by concerns about Irish and UK passenger taxes. This year the main talking point will undoubtedly be the postponed concession deal on the airports in Barcelona, where the event is being held (foresight or fortune?), and Madrid. But there will be plenty else to discuss as we attempt here to anticipate the main concerns.

Ryanair profits edge up but miss expectations on fuel blowout

Ryanair, Europe’s largest airline, posted results that missed expectations in its fiscal first quarter as higher fuel costs weighed on the net result.

Air Malta troubles worsen as unions flex muscle and LCCs grow

Air Malta’s troubles have become more acute as the struggling carrier’s unions increase their opposition to large-scale redundancies. Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi has stated the present situation is increasingly worrying, particularly in light of the EUR77 million the government has poured into the airline since Jun-2011.