US airlines are expected to hit an all-time record for summer travel this year thanks to the nation’s strong economy, according to Washington-based trade group Airlines for America.
“With 13 of the 15 busiest air travel days of the year falling in the summer months, US airlines are well-prepared to accommodate the increased travel demand by adding flights and seats, and deploying new and larger aircraft, along with a boost in staffing to enhance the customer experience,” said John Heimlich, chief economist for Airlines for America.
The group estimates a 4.5 percent growth in passengers – about 222 million – who will fly using US airlines between June through August, compared to the same time period last year.
To accommodate the anticipated demand, US carriers are boosting the number of seats by 4.6 percent, according to the group.
“The continued rise in US consumer sentiment and employment is leading to more people traveling more often,” Heimlich said.
Of the 2.4 million passengers expected per day, 332,000 would be on those on international flights, a figure that would mark another record, the group said.
The top five nonstop international destinations from the United States are Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Germany and Japan, according to published airline schedules.
Along with the growth in the number of air travelers comes news from 10 publicly traded airlines, which reported $3.1 billion in profit during the first quarter. This reflects a growth of 1.1 percent compared to the same time last year.
“Healthy air-travel demand and lower, yet still volatile, fuel prices are helping US airlines close the gap to average US corporate profitability,” Heimlich said.
Increased domestic demand is expected to benefit American Airlines Group, Delta Air Lines Inc. and United Continental Holdings Inc., among other companies. (With reports from Fortune, Reuters and USA Today)
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(LA Midweek May 20-22, 2015 Sec. B pg.1)
