Continued Airport Recovery – a look ahead to 2024 and beyond

There are plenty of reasons to be optimistic as the aviation industry moves towards the end of 2023, not least that it is expected to finally reach a profit this year for the first time since the pandemic.

ACI World Airport Traffic Forecasts 2022-2041:

  • Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, global passenger traffic dropped from 9.2 billion in 2019 to 3.6 billion in 2020, and then recovered to 4.6 billion in 2021, and 6.5 billion in 2022. Over the next five years, traffic is expected to recover from 4.6 billion to 11.0 billion. (See chart below) This equates to a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 19.0% over the 2021–2026 period.
  • It is predicted that in 2024 global airport passenger traffic will return to the volume observed in 2019. Passenger traffic worldwide is expected to reach 19.3 billion in 2041 and 23.9 billion in 2050.

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Optimistic Trends Proving UK Airports On The Path To Recovery

Path to recovery for UK Airports

The outlook for UK airports became brighter this summer due to the easing of restrictions and a simplified traffic light system. Optimistic trends below show a sharp increase in passenger traffic from July onwards, proving UK airports are on the path to recovery.

Is this the recovery we’ve been waiting for?

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Small Signs of Recovery for UK Airport Activity 2021 Quarter 2

Passenger Traffic Qtr 2 2021

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has published UK airport statistics for the second quarter of 2021 showing a slow gradual incline of activity for ATM and passenger traffic. Read further to see the surprising dip in cargo activity.

To clearly see the UK airport activity patterns across the months, AiQ has visually represented the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) activity data. Our airport planners modelled the months April to June covering ATMs, passengers, and Cargo for 51 UK airports. July data has been plotted on the graphs but please note there are several small regional airports to submit their data into CAA. Commentary on July’s data will be published next month when we have a full set of results. Read More »

Supporting Airports Recovery during Summer 2021

Supporting Airports RecoveryAirport’s recovery is now finally underway and AiQ are fortunate to be supporting several UK and International airports. From everyday operational requirements to strategic planning projects, this summer our team are helping airports on the path to a successful recovery. Read More »

A Clear Vision of UK Airport Activity 2021 to Aid Airport Planning

In support of future airport planning, AiQ has visually represented this year’s UK airport activity from January to April 2021. Our airport planners modelled the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) monthly activity statistics on ATMs, passengers, and Cargo for 2021 for 51 UK airports. To highlight the dramatic effect COVID-19 has had on the aviation industry we include comparisons from 2019 and 2020. Understanding how the activity is changing month by month allows airports to flexibly plan their operations to passenger forecasts and prepare for the summer months which is usually the peak season for airports. Will passenger and ATM traffic continue to rise? We shall report on the summer months as CAA publish their data. Read More »

A Clear Vision of UK Airport Activity 2020

Over the last few months, AiQ has interpreted the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) monthly statistics on ATMs, Passenger, and Cargo to provide airports with a clear vision of airport operational activity in the UK.  This helps airports to flexibly plan their operations to the changeable demand and to understand the bigger picture over the months. The data used in our below graphs is based on 51 UK airports. Read More »

A clear vision of ATM, Passenger & Cargo Activity for UK Airport Efficiency Planning

UK Airports passenger activity September 2020

For UK Airports to flexibly plan their operations to the changeable demand, they need to understand how the activity is changing month on month. AiQ has provided a clear vision of monthly UK airport activity to show the current situation as we lead to Christmas 2020. Our team have visually represented the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) monthly activity statistics on ATMs, passengers, and Cargo to include the recently published September figures. The data used in our below graphs is based on 51 UK airports.

Air traffic movements (ATMs) September 2020

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COVID-19 Airport Efficiency Saving Opportunities for Below Wing

Below Wing Airport Efficiency opportunities

Following on from our previous ‘Above Wing’ efficiency blog we have shared our practical suggestions below on how to make efficiency and cost savings for ‘Below Wing’ throughout the airport.

The statistics published by Eurocontrol and Civil Aviation Authority all indicate that UK airports will be in ‘survival’ to ‘intermittent recovery’ for the rest of 2020 and into 2021. ‘Consistent recovery’ and ‘growth’ may build early in 2021 for summer schedules, but there is still great uncertainty. You can clearly see these phases in our blog ‘Revised route to airport recovery’.

It is therefore clear that airport operators must look at their businesses in this ‘new business environment’. No longer is growth guaranteed. No longer is income from airlines, parking, retail & food & beverage assured. The fixed overheads including your licensing costs continue to run. Revenues and profits will be squeezed. Read More »

Airport Efficiency Saving Opportunities for Above Wing

The airport world will be different – perhaps for many years. However, running a business and an airport is about handling the downside and taking opportunities when and where they are available – otherwise your competitors’ will.

It is clear that airport operators must look at their businesses in a new light. No longer is growth guaranteed. No longer is income from Airlines, Parking, Duty-Free, Retail, Food & Beverage guaranteed. The fixed overheads including your Licensing costs continue to run. Revenue and profits will be squeezed.

Planning for Airport Restart, Recovery & Growth

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