June 2009 may be the 11th successive month of cutbacks in global airline schedules, however the rate of decline in seat capacity is lower than at any time since October 2008, aviation data group OAG said in its ‘OAG FACTS June 2009’ report, adding this indicates a glimmer of economic confidence.
OAG is part of UBM Aviation, a division of United Business Media Ltd (LSE: UBM).
It said that the world's airlines have scheduled 4 percent, or 104,216, fewer flights for June 2009 compared with the same month last year, with a 2 percent drop in seat capacity of 6.7 million fewer seats. The decline in seat capacity is below 3 percent for the first time since October 2008.
David Beckerman, vice president OAG Market Intelligence, said: "As the Northern Hemisphere begins its summer holiday season, the airline community is curbing its capacity cuts in anticipation of a welcome boost in air travel. However, we shouldn't assume that this is the start of recovery and growth; the outlook remains uncertain and figures are still down year-on-year, but it does indicate a glimmer of economic confidence."