AIRline News

International traffic data for January to April 2006 shows 6.9 percent growth in passenger demand and 5.7 percent growth for freight over the same period in 2005. Load factors for the first four months of the year reached an average of 74.8 percent.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released this data June 1.

“Strong economies are supporting strong demand growth for both freight and passenger traffic,” said Giovanni Bisignani, IATA’s director general and CEO. “Even with the high price of oil and rising interest rates, there is no apparent drop in demand, and carriers are responding with careful capacity management that saw the April load factors reach their highest point—76.5 percent—in the past decade.”

April growth was particularly strong due to the impact of a late Easter holiday. Passenger traffic grew by 9.9 percent over the previous April, while capacity expanded by only 5.5 percent, driving load factors to 76.5 percent. For the first four months of the year, the Middle East continued to lead growth with an 18.3 percent increase over the same period in 2005.

Freight demand for the first four months of the year averaged 5.7 percent. Middle Eastern carriers lead growth at 17.9 percent, followed by Latin America (8.0 percent), Asia-Pacific (6.0 percent) and North America (5.9 percent). African and European carriers lagged behind at 2.7 percent and 2.5 percent respectively.

“Strong demand is good news for an industry that continues to take a beating from oil prices averaging US$20 per barrel more than in 2005. Airlines continue to cut costs and improve efficiency, but it will still not be enough to fully mitigate the price of fuel. Even more efficiency and great change are needed,” said Bisignani.

Boeing has begun final assembly of the first 737-900ER (Extended Range), the newest member of the company’s successful single-aisle airplane family. The 737 derivative incorporates an extra pair of exit doors, a flat aft-pressure bulkhead and other structural and aerodynamic changes that allow it to carry more passengers and fly farther than the 737-900.

The twin-engine jet can carry up to 215 passengers and fly up to 3,200 nautical miles (5,900 km).

The 737-900ER, destined for Indonesian-based launch customer Lion Air, will embark on a five-month flight test program later this year.

OAG, the global travel and transport information company known for its airline schedule guides, held its annual Airline of the Year awards ceremony on May 18.

Cathay Pacific was named OAG Airline of the Year and also picked up “Best Transpacific Airline and Best Airline based in Asia” awards.

The awards, based on votes polled by a worldwide audience of business travelers, also recognized several U.S. carriers:

JetBlue took the title “Best Low Cost/No Frills Airline” for the first time, beating Southwest Airlines, easyJet and Virgin Blue.
Continental Airlines was named “Best Airline based in North America” for the third year running, and Best Business/Executive Class for the fourth consecutive year.
United Airlines won for “Best Economy/Coach Class”.
American Airlines was named “Airline of Choice for Travelers with a Disability,” a new award introduced this year.
The Outstanding Service Award went to Maria Benson, manager with Continental Airlines’ “We Care” program, for her dedication and inspiring leadership during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

With its new service between Denver and Calgary, Alberta, Frontier Airlines becomes the first American low cost carrier to serve the Canadian air travel market.

The two daily non-stops between Denver and Calgary began May 25, using Frontier’s JetExpress service operated by Horizon Air with 70-passenger CR7 aircraft.

Calgary is Frontier’s second international destination, after Mexico.

“Calgary has so much in common with Denver, our hometown, that it’s a natural first destination in Canada for us,” says Jeff Potter, president and CEO of Frontier. “Calgary and Denver both are vibrant business centers with strong ties in the energy industry, and both are proud of their Western roots and Rocky Mountain settings. We’re proud to link them with low fares and great service, and delighted to be the first American low cost carrier offering convenient flights to and from Canada.”