The Abu
Dhabi aviation market is set for strong growth in
2012, according to the latest OAG data. Seat capacity is expected to
increase to 9.9m (one-way) this year, up 12% from 8.9m in 2011.
The
latest numbers highlight that the
capital of the United
Arab Emirates is still outgrowing not just the
global aviation market, but also the Middle East aviation market that
expects a 6% growth in seat capacity this year.
The number of
departures from Abu Dhabi International Airport is
estimated to grow by 8% this year, from 50,700 to 54,600. The fact
that the number of seats flown rises faster than
the number of flights underlines a trend towards long-haul
flights operated by larger aircraft.
Abu
Dhabi’s growth as a global aviation hub is fuelled by the success
of Etihad Airways, which accounts for a 71% market share in 2012.
The national
airline of the Emirates will offer around
7m seats at Abu Dhabi International this year, an increase
of 900,000 seats or 15%. Second to Etihad are Qatar, airberlin
and Air
India Express which each account for 3% of the
market.
The
most significant market for flights to and from Abu Dhabi is
Asia, with 3.5m one-way seats flown this year, followed by the Middle
East with 3m seats and Europe with 2.2m. However, the most dynamic
market is currently Africa. The continent witnesses a 25% increase in
seats flown (up to 672,000), with Europe and Asia being the other key
growth markets (up 17% and 15% respectively).
The
latest OAG data was released ahead of the 18th World Route
Development Forum which will take place from 29 September to 2
October 2012 in Abu Dhabi. It is the largest global event of its
kind, determining the future of air
services. Hosted by Abu Dhabi Airports Company,
the 2012 event is targeted to attract over 2,750 delegates from more
than 120 countries, representing over 300 airlines and
750 airports.
David
Stroud, Executive Vice
President, Routes comments: “The fact that Abu Dhabi one
of the global centres of aviation growth makes it more than fitting
that the city hosts the world’s civil aviation community this week
for its largest annual gathering.
The decisions that will be taken at World Routes in the coming days
will shape air servicesfor years to come.”