Ryanair boldly predicted that the recession could lead to just four European airlines surviving. Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary has said that as many as five to six European airlines could go bankrupt between now and Christmas.
He forecast that only British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France and Ryanair would survive. He said that Europe needed a recession to rid the industry of loss-making airlines.
The deepening recession is encouraging lots of Britons to stay at home and take their holidays in the UK. Bookings for UK breaks are higher than they were in 2008 as the price of overseas holidays continues to skyrocket.
One UK airport that appears to be bucking the trend in falling passenger figures is Luton. The airport attracted a record 10.2 million passengers during 2008 which is 2.5% up on 2007.
Thirteen new flights were launched from Luton airport during 2008 taking people to popular destinations in France, Italy, Poland and Romania. The airport was the forerunner in launching low cost flights to the Ukraine. Luton airport marketing director Natalie Raper said that ‘The figures show a continuing trend for travellers to choose London Luton Airport in the highly competitive South East UK market.’
Luton airport have already announced more new flights to Lvov in the Ukraine, Prague and Jersey for 2009. The airport’s continued focus on low cost flights is likely to support its continued out performance of its London rivals. The most popular destinations during 2007 included Edinburgh, Malaga, Glasgow, Warsaw and Belfast.
Originally, London Luton Airport was officially opened on 16th July 1938 as ‘Luton Municipal Airport’. It was and still is owned by Luton Borough Council. It employs over 500 people directly and another 8,000 indirectly. The airport provides all the facilities that today’s demanding air travellers require. Luton airport parking facilities are particularly good with no less than five operators providing secure on-airport and off-airport parking.
Tags: luton airport | passenger figures | recession | travel