For those working to market aviation products, such as airlines and airports, the latest data from the National Travel and Tourism Office in the United States reveals the latest about passenger flows. This information can then be deployed for targeted marketing campaigns, competitive targeting on specific routes, and more.
Here's a quick breakdown of who's winning and losing in international aviation over this past year ending in May 2014.
International air traffic has rebounded quite nicely
The United States saw a 7% increase in overall passenger volume to/from the US, moving 77.9 million passengers through May 2014. Of that, US citizens comprised 43% - up 8% in the same May YTD timeframe. Foreigners were also traveling more in the air, up 7% to 57% of the passenger volume.
US carriers, while up 5% on volume, slipped down to 53%. Foreign carriers thus gained on domestic, with a 9% increase in overall volumes. This has potential implications for domestic carriers, who may either benefit from an increase in codeshare that expands reach domestically, or a risk of being undermined by foreign carriers operating domestically.
Overseas strong as well
Passenger volumes demonstrated strength internationally as well, with an overall increase in volume that led to a slight advantage for the foreign flagged carriers.
Regionally, here are the areas of growth to be considered in targeted a specific traveling demographic.
Strong areas of growth include the Middle East and Central America. So take note, travel marketers, of how these regions are growing - and how much room left to grow there is in these markets.
Top airports for international traffic
The top 10 domestic airports for traffic to/from international airports are:
The top 10 foreign airports in traffic to/from the US:
Overall, there is great strength in the international numbers, revealing plenty of opportunities to target areas of growth - and reenergize areas of flagging demand - via marketing and product mix.
A deeper dive into these numbers lives here.
NB: Plane image courtesy Shutterstock.