Abu Dhabi Aviation Market set for Strong Growth in 2012

AsiaNet 50801

MANCHESTER, England, Sept. 26, /PRN=KYODO JBN/ --

Capital of the UAE to host the world's largest civil aviation event this week  

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."

Notes to Editors

About Routes

- Routes organises world-renowned airline and airport networking events through

its regional and global Route Development Forums. Each year, there is one

global event and one regional event in Asia, Africa, Europe, the Americas and

CIS respectively. http://www.routesonline.com

- Routes was founded in 1995 as part of the Manchester UK-based ASM Ltd., a

consultancy specialising in the field of route development for airports.

http://www.asm-global.com

- Routes and ASM were acquired by UBM Aviation Worldwide Ltd in August 2010.  

From 1st August 2012 Routes, ASM and the Airport Cities Conference and

Exhibition become part of the UBM Live division of UBM plc.

- UBM Live connects people and creates opportunities for companies across five

continents to develop new business, meet customers, launch new products,

promote their brands and expand their markets.  Through premiere brands such as

MD&M, CPhI, IFSEC, TFM&A, Cruise Shipping Miami, the Concrete Show, the Routes

portfolio of events, Airport Cities and many others, UBM Live exhibitions,

conferences, awards programs, publications, websites and training and

certification programs are an integral part of the marketing plans of companies

across more than 20 industry sectors. http://www.ubmlive.com

About OAG

OAG is the trusted source for aviation information and analytical services,

with data sourced from OAG's comprehensive and proprietary airline Schedules,

Flight Status, Fleet, and Cargo Logistics databases.  Our airline schedules

database holds future and historical flight details for over 1,000 airlines and

more than 4,000 airports. Our aggregated data feeds the world's global

distribution systems and travel portals, and drives the internal systems of

many airlines, airports, air traffic control systems, aircraft manufacturers,

and government agencies around the world.  For more information, visit

http://www.oag.com

Follow us on twitter: @Routesonline, @TheHUBRoutes, @VictoriaRoutes,

@RouteExchange, @airlineroute

Source: UBM Aviation Routes Limited