WORLD ROUTES: Abu Dhabi Aviation Market set for Strong Growth in 2012

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 9.9 million (one-way) this year, up 12 per cent from 8.9 million 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 per cent growth in seat capacity this year.

The number of departures from Abu Dhabi International Airport is estimated to grow by 8 per cent 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 per cent market share in 2012. The national airline of the Emirates will offer around 7 million seats at Abu Dhabi International this year, an increase of 900,000 seats or 15 per cent. Second to Etihad are Qatar Airways, airberlin and Air India Express which each account for 3 per cent of the market.

The most significant market for flights to and from Abu Dhabi is Asia, with 3.5 million one-way seats flown this year, followed by the Middle East with 3 million seats and Europe with 2.2 million. However, the most dynamic market is currently Africa. The continent witnesses a 25 per cent increase in seats flown (up to 672,000), with Europe and Asia being the other key growth markets (up 17 per cent and 15 per cent respectively).

The latest OAG data was released ahead of the 18th World Route Development Forum which takes place from 29 September to 2 October 2012 in Abu Dhabi. David Stroud, Executive Vice President, Routes said: “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.”