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 services
for years to come.”