Development of the air transport industry in Europe
Since 2006, the number of global air traffic passengers has increased in a positive direction, with the exception of 2009 following the 2008 global financial crisis and 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. With a large number of airlines or airport groups competing for a greater market share through greater efficiency and better connectivity, the European aviation industry is always going through a process of market making while introducing new innovations. In 2020, commercial airlines in Europe were hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, recording net losses of US$34.5 billion. During the same period, the cargo load factor for commercial airlines fell to 63.8 percent.
Leading airlines
Passenger air transport in Europe has grown at a higher rate compared to air freight, mostly due to the ineffectiveness of air freight for industrial companies. Based on the number of passengers carried, Ryanair Group, easyJet and Lufthansa Group were the three largest European airlines in 2020. The profitability of the aviation market attracts companies that take an innovative approach to solving old problems. As a result, market dominance is developing as market participants are able to offer superior and cost-effective air travel services. For example, low-cost carriers (LCCs) provide air travel to passengers at a relatively lower price through their distinct business model. Therefore, the market share of low-cost air carriers in the European aviation industry has increased continuously over recent decades. Ryanair is a European example of how low-cost airlines can grow exponentially through a promising corporate model. Within ten years, the company doubled its annual revenue streams, generating nearly €8.5 billion in its most recent financial year.
Leading airports
Although competition among airport operating groups is less fierce than among air carriers, airports are also striving to strategically improve their services. Airport operators often do this by enhancing connectivity, passenger experience and many other activities to achieve an increase in the number of passengers carried or cargo carried. London Heathrow, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Amsterdam Schiphol and Frankfurt am Main were the leading airports in the European Union (EU-28).
Environmental impact of the aviation industry
Over recent decades, the demand for air travel and transportation has grown steadily. However, the aviation industry is considered one of the major polluters of the environment due to its high emission levels. To confront this drawback, organizations and institutions are looking to neutralize the carbon footprint of the air travel market. For example, carbon neutral airports are one of the factors supporting reducing the environmental impact of air travel. Over the past decade, the number of carbon-neutral airports in Europe has increased more than 36-fold, reaching 146 in 2020. Although the transition to greening airports is highly desirable from a social point of view, the transition to greening airports is difficult for For leading airports that facilitate the travel of millions of passengers annually.
This text provides general information. Statista assumes no responsibility that the information provided is complete or correct. Due to different update cycles, statistics may show more up-to-date data than indicated in the text.
