Country: UK

The day aviation’s been waiting for: A first-look at Summer flying as the ban on international leisure travel is eased

17/05/21

After 19 weeks without international leisure travel, today marks the day international holidays can finally resume. Following the government announcement of a UK traffic light travel system, we look at how airlines have responded by adapting their summer plans. 

Ongoing travel restrictions have left the UK’s aviation market substantially reduced, with the first 6 weeks of the Summer 2021 (S21) season seeing an 84% decline in traffic versus 2019 (-42.9 million seats). Reductions in Covid-19 cases and the success of the UK’s vaccine programme have given the industry reasons to be optimistic, however international travel restrictions remain the key factor determining when widespread travel will return.

Airlines have been restricted in their ability to plan for the remainder of this summer, with some operators holding substantial volume for June onwards whilst awaiting decisions on which destinations will be feasible to operate. The 7th May announcement on the UK’s traffic light travel system has provided some clarity in the short-term, enabling airlines to identify which routes can operate with viable seat loads in the coming months. This has driven significant schedule change with seat volumes for June reduced by over 25% since the traffic light system announcement. Airlines have cut back flights based on the traffic light categories, providing a far more reliable schedule picture for May and June.

The impact of the government’s system is seen clearly in the changes to slot volume by country, with passenger demand for destinations directly driven by the traffic light system’s travel restrictions. Of the UK’s 20 busiest destinations for May – June, only Portugal has seen an increase in scheduled flights since the announcement, with the other 19 destinations seeing flights reduced or cancelled.

 

Figure 1 – Change in scheduled seats at ACL UK airports by origin / destination country following traffic light system announcement.

 

The influence of green-list inclusion on demand is clear; in the week following the announcement of the green-list countries, the number of scheduled flights operating to/from Portugal between May-June increased by over 20%, with over 200,000 additional seats available. Over 1,000 additional flights have been added operating to/from Portugal for May-June, with Faro (FAO), Lisbon (LIS) and Porto (OPO) appearing as the most in-demand destinations for the re-opening of international travel.

 

Figure 2 – UK-Portugal total flights by route scheduled for May-June 2021 at ACL UK airports.

 

Flights operating to/from Portugal increased to over 10% of all scheduled international travel for 17th-30th May. This represents a significant increase from 4% of all international flights in S19.

The traffic light system has also driven cancellations for red-listed countries, with the increased isolation period and testing required likely to reduce demand for these routes. Of the busiest UK destinations, the greatest reduction in volume has been for Turkey. Flights for May-June have been substantially cut back (-45%) with 470,000 seats removed from airline schedules. This sharp reduction in capacity demonstrates the impact of the red list requirements on passenger demand, with other operators also indicating they will not be operating flights to/from red-listed destinations.

Airline schedules will continue to develop as further bookings indicate passenger intentions, however ACL now has a far clearer picture of the UK aviation market for this summer. Further changes to the Government’s traffic light lists are likely to trigger more schedule amendments, with the increase in capacity for Portugal giving a clear demonstration of the pent-up passenger demand that exists for S21. Countries added to the green list will likely stimulate an increase in passenger demand, prompting increases in capacity from airlines. In contrast countries moving from green to amber, or amber to red, may see capacity shrink, as demand is reduced due to the additional testing and isolation requirements for passengers. These insights further demonstrate the influence that the UK’s travel restriction system will continue to have on international travel this summer.

By Chris Butler – Airport Capacity Analyst

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To access the data behind our reports, or to understand how ACL’s data could help your business make better decisions, please get in touch with us here

8 Essential Details you Need to Know About ACL’s Airport Schedule Data:

10/05/21

ACL’s primary role as the UK’s coordinator is to help airports and airport users by fairly allocating slots to airlines and optimising airport capacity. As ACL are responsible for allocating slots, we are the first to know the airport’s schedule and any of its changes. This means, for all ACL’s 46 airports, ACL have the most complete, accurate and up-to-date schedules as they happen.

What does this mean for me?

If you work in business that operates in and around airports, or you rely in any way on air travel, airport schedule data can be essential to accurately inform your decision making. It allows you to make strategic decisions and ultimately creates savings for your business.

To help you understand how we can assist you and your business we’ve pulled together 8 essential need-to-knows about ACL’s schedule data.

1-     Airport data is chock full of information!

There is a wealth of information available in airport schedule data. All the details which go into flying are recorded, meaning the data is full of useful details essential to a multitude of businesses. Information from slot times, destinations, seat numbers, aircraft types, terminal codes …….. You name it, it will be there in the data ready for you to view and use. On top of that, ACL are the only data supplier to provide all types of operation, including charter flights, business aviation, general aviation and freight traffic.

2-     You never know who it can help

ACL supply airport schedules to a variety of businesses, even ones we never anticipated! Businesses range from ground handling companies, requiring the data for their baggage, fuel or cleaning operations. Right up to localised taxi firms, international travel agencies, financial services organisations and rail companies. Numerous companies can benefit from accessing airport schedule data to enhance their businesses.

3-     It creates savings

Having access to airport schedule data saves businesses time and money by providing the information needed to accurately plan staffing and resources. Many of our customers have remarked on the savings it has offered their business. One fueller said access to ACL data reduced over four weeks work down to just two days. ACL’s data can provide schedules up to six months in advance allowing business to confidently plan for the future by providing the information and knowledge to face any future challenges, as well as staying updated on any changes made right up to the day of operation.

4-     It’s Vast!

ACL have been around a long time, 30 years to be exact! Making us the world’s oldest, independent slot coordinator. This not only means we have schedules covering over twenty years across dozens of airports, but that you can benefit from ACL’s expertise and experience too. We can help customers to understand our data and use it to tackle their business problems, identifying valuable insights.

5-     Data you can trust

As ACL confirm slots for an airline, you can be sure our information is the one to trust. Many data companies get their information from secondary sources or update their information a significant time after a slot is approved. ACL’s information comes straight from us, the coordinator, which is why our customers can be certain our data is 100% reliable, up-to-date and accurate.

6-     It looks good!

By using the latest PowerBI technology, our data is no longer just numbers on a spreadsheet (unless you need it to be of course!). We can analyse and visualise our data in a multitude of ways, allowing you to share data across your business using easy-to-interpret and interactive visualisations. What’s more, we’re able to feed our data into your systems however you need it, whether that’s via SFTP, CSV, email or downloaded via our online portal OCS. Our team can tailor reports to suit your business, automatically providing the data you need at a frequency and format which suits you.

7-     Its accessible to everyone

ACL provide schedule data to a variety of businesses of varying sizes, from small scale, independent businesses, to companies working across the globe. Data download prices start from under £300 for a single download and ACL even regularly provide industry reports and data analysis articles for anyone to view, free of charge on our website.

8- It’s been essential during the pandemic

In an era of unrelenting uncertainty, airport schedule data has been essential in keeping airport reliant businesses on track. ACL’s automated change reports inform businesses the moment an airline makes a change or cancellation to their schedule, allowing businesses time to adapt their operations, reprioritise their resources and deliver the best service to their customers. With airline schedules more volatile than ever our change reports have been vital in helping businesses to adapt their staffing needs, minimise wastage, process refunds and prioritise savings.

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To discover how ACL’s airport schedule data can accelerate your business, get in touch with a member of our expert team today here

Leading in lockdown – a look at Lesley Cowley’s first year at Airport Coordination Limited

20/04/21

 

Lesley (top right) chairing ACL’s board online back in July 2020

 

Lesley Cowley began her role as ACL’s new Chairperson in March 2020, bringing with her a wealth of experience as a non-executive director and as Chair of the DVLA, National Archives and Companies House. Lesley became Chair Designate in January 2020, unaware of the events and challenges which lay ahead and that her new role would predominantly involving Chairing a Board online. We sat down with Lesley (virtually) a year on to find out just what it was like Leading in Lockdown.

You began your role as Chair of ACL’s Board when the nation was in its first lockdown, what is it like beginning a leadership role virtually?

I was fortunate to be able to meet Board members and to attend one Board meeting as an Observer prior to lockdown, which was really helpful. My first Board meeting as Chair was a virtual one, but I found people very welcoming and willing to embrace what was to become a ‘new normal’ for many Boards. All of my induction and meetings since then were virtual, so I have missed seeing people in person. I do think you have to work harder to connect with people for the first time in a virtual meeting, as opposed to an in-person one. Virtual meetings are also harder to chair I think.

Last year was one of the most challenging in aviation history, how did your first year at ACL compare with your original expectations?

Last year was indeed incredibly challenging for the industry and for all of us. Like everybody, my original plans and expectations had to change in 2020. I had expected more meetings with staff to learn about their work, to have introductions to key customers and stakeholders and also to attend my first slots conference, but many of those things had to be postponed.  I have had to be flexible and agile and have been very impressed with how agile, adaptable and resilient the team at ACL have been too.

What one thing are you most proud of in your first year as Chair?

Whilst I was sad that our previous CEO decided to move on from ACL to pursue new projects, I am most proud of recruiting Neil, an excellent successor, and bringing in the ‘new CEO project’ on time, in spite of challenging deadlines and the pandemic.

As an independent Chairperson, what benefits/attributes do you bring to the ACL board?

I bring my experience of being a CEO leading a key organisation through growth and challenge over a period of more than 10 years, plus my private and public sector experience as a non-executive director and Chair. This means that I am well placed to provide both support and challenge to ACL and its Senior Team. As an independent Chair, I am able to form a completely fresh and independent view of matters, free from any conflicts of interest.

What attracted to you to ACL?

The opportunity to lead the World’s leading independent airport coordinator and to learn more about how the aviation sector works.

What do you feel is the biggest strength of our company right now?

Our great people and great customer service.

Finally summarise this last year in 3 words:

“You’re on mute”.

 

Interviewer: Denise Wakeford- Sales and Marketing Lead
Interviewee: Lesley Cowley- Chair of the Board

Further Summer 2021 Waiver Announcement

01/03/21

Following the further announcement on 26th February of the UK’s Secretary of State for Transport that legislation has been introduced (to come into force from 26 March 2021) to extend the waiver from the 80:20 slot usage rule to the Summer 2021 season but now without conditions, ACL has updated its guidance to carriers which you can read here.

Winter worries and the question of Summer survival

29/01/21

Analyst Chris Butler looks at the continued decline in the winter schedule and the challenges and uncertainty facing Summer 2021

The latest wave of coronavirus restrictions has hit hard this Winter, dealing another blow to the aviation industry. UK schedules have become more volatile than ever, with airlines forced to change and cancel planned operations causing flight volumes for Winter 2020 (W20) to fall sharply.

Collapse in W20 traffic

National lockdowns and travel restrictions have affected UK aviation throughout the pandemic, with the first wave contributing to a 77% decline in traffic overall for Summer 2020 (S20) versus S19 (-1.2 million movements). W20 saw similar decline until the beginning of December brought initial signs of recovery, with 32% of W19 volume operating in the week beginning 16th December. Any growth was halted however by increases in UK infection rates and the subsequent tightening of lockdown and travel restrictions. W20 volume has declined to -74% versus W19 as a result, with further cancellations expected.

Scheduled volume for the festive period fell by 21% immediately after the announcement of additional UK restrictions on 21st Dec, with over 27,000 slots cancelled. The introduction of a third national lockdown prompted further cancellations; the first two weeks of 2021 saw 80,000 slots cancelled and a subsequent 27% decline in schedule volume for January – March, with airlines forced to abandon any plans of growth for the new year.

Figure 1 – Increase in cancellations per week following tightened restrictions resulting in reduced volume for January.

Schedule volume is unlikely to see substantial growth before the end of W20. ACL’s latest forecast indicates that the overall W20 volume could fall beyond -80% versus W19 based on the current rate of cancellations, with further reductions expected for February and March.

The collapse in W20 traffic versus last year has been seen across Level 3 airports including LGW (-87%) and LCY (-92%), as well as at regional airports such as CWL (-90%), SOU (-85%) and EXT (-85%). Despite periods of recovery in late summer and over the festive period, scheduled movements for both domestic and international routes saw a 77% decline in 2020 versus 2019, indicating the widespread nature of the decline in traffic.

Figure 2 – Decline in both Domestic and International weekly movements versus previous year.

Outlook for Summer 2021 remains uncertain and volatile

Looking ahead to S21, the ongoing impact of travel restrictions across the world means airlines and airports face extreme uncertainty. The aviation industry in the UK and beyond faces several crucial questions when planning for S21.

Varying country-specific travel restrictions, vaccination programmes and testing procedures will mean that the pace at which different markets recover is likely to differ greatly. Reports indicate that over 7.1 million people have already received their first dose of the vaccination in the UK; the travel industry will hope that this could stimulate demand for certain markets this summer, however the extent of the impact of the UK’s vaccination programme on travel demand for S21 remains unknown.

ACL’s dynamic schedule data source covering 26 UK & ROI airports will capture the developments seen over the coming months. This provides a valuable source of information for those looking ahead and attempting to plan for an uncertain summer.

By Chris Butler

This article has been amended since original publication.

If you would like to know more about how your business could benefit from dynamic schedule data or ACL analysis, please contact denise.wakeford@acl-international.com

Summer Waiver Announcement

29/01/21

The UK’s Secretary of State for Transport has announced that the UK will extend the waiver from the 80:20 slot usage rule to the Summer 2021 season, subject to certain conditions. ACL has updated its guidance to carriers which you can read here

ACL announce new CEO

12/01/21

Airport Coordination Limited would like to inform you that, following a thorough search and rigorous selection process, the Board of Airport Coordination Limited is pleased to announce the appointment of Neil Garwood as our new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Neil was formerly Managing Director of Southampton Airport, where he had been for ten years, having risen through the ranks after initially joining them as Terminal Operations Manager in 2010.

Neil will succeed Airport Coordination Limited’s departing CEO, Edmond Rose, who is moving on from his role at the end of February. The ACL Board thank Edmond for his outstanding contributions and leadership throughout his time with us and especially through the challenges of this last year.

The Chair of ACL, Lesley Cowley said “I am delighted to welcome Neil to ACL. Whilst our current CEO will be much missed, we are confident that Neil’s experience, drive and values make him an ideal successor to lead ACL as we emerge from the pandemic”.

The new CEO, Neil Garwood said “I am excited to be joining the world’s leading independent airport coordination organisation at a time of seismic change in the industry and very much look forward to continuing to deliver on ACL’s ambition of world class coordination excellence for our customers and stakeholders”.

Neil Garwood, new CEO of Airport Coordination Limited

Northern Summer 2021 (NS21) WASB Slot Waiver Announcement

27/11/20

The Worldwide Airport Slot Board (WASB) issued its recommendation for airport slot alleviation measures covering the Northern Summer 2021 scheduling season. The following provides some initial guidance to give clarity on its application at airports coordinated by ACL to avoid unintended consequences should airlines apply the WASB recommendation immediately.

VALIDITY

The WASB announcement is a recommendation. For a waiver to be applied, the Regulatory or competent authority needs to adopt this recommendation or issue an alternative waiver. Across all ACL airports this has not yet occurred so currently NO waiver for Northern Summer 2021 is being applied.

When the position changes, ACL will update its guidance.

CANCELLATIONS IN ADVANCE OF A WAIVER

Any cancellation made prior to a waiver being issued may impact on your ability to retain the historic slot. For example, a full season slot returned before alleviation has been granted will be returned to the slot pool and reallocated based on the waitlist at that time.

FURTHER GUIDANCE

Once ACL is aware of the detail of any formal waivers, it will review and where necessary provide further guidance. The current guidance on alleviation can be found here.