becoming a “second UK flag-carrier” under chief executive Shai Weiss who took over in January. The airline led the takeover of regional carrier Flybe in March – in a consortium with Stobart Group and US hedge fund Cyrus Capital – and revealed Flybe would be rebranded Virgin Connect.
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
There remained considerable environmental and community-based opposition to a Heathrow third runway – leave aside the previous opposition of Boris Johnson, the man most likely to be returned as prime minister in December, and the hostility of Labour Party leaders. There is also the significant obstacle of ground-level emissions restrictions to surmount. Aviation’s environmental impact
loomed increasingly large amid growing awareness of global warming. It was unfortunate in this context that one of the most fuel-efficient short-haul aircraft in the world, the Boeing 737 Max, spent nine months of the year grounded following the second of two fatal crashes in October 2018 and March 2019. An automated flight control system designed to prevent stalling was implicated in
both.The Max remained grounded as the year drew to a close awaiting US regulatory clearance. Airlines, like the rest of us, still awaited clarity on Brexit and what comes after. But the industry was “in a good place” on the issue, according to Iata UK and Ireland area manager Simon McNamara, who told
All flown in last 12 months Business 6%
VFR 19%
Holiday 73%
Other 2%
ONE IN TWO UK adults flew in the past year, but only one in
five took more than two flights (Figure 46). Concern about
the environmental impact of flying has risen (Figure 47).
Holidays are by far the main reason for flying (Figure 48). London dominates the UK air passenger market (Figure 45)
the Airlines 2050 conference: “Airlines are perhaps in a better place on Brexit than a lot of sectors.” UK Department for Transport aviation director Dan Micklethwaite assured the same conference: “Flights will continue whatever happens.” But he noted: “There are headwinds facing the industry that aren’t due to Brexit.”
FIGURE 46: FREQUENCY OF FLYING, 2019
Never 8%
More than 4 years ago/ don’t know
24% 51%
% UK adults flown in last 12 months
10 15 20 25 30
17% 1-4 years ago
Figures rounded Source: CAA
0 5
30%29%
Number of flights, all those flown in last 12 months
All UK adults
14% 11% 11% 7% 4%
One Two Three Four Five More than five
5.5% 5.5% 2%
One Two Three Four Five More than five
FIGURE 47: CONSIDER IMPACT OF FLYING, 2016-19
‘I think about the impact of flying on the environment when purchasing flights’
%
20 30 40 50
47% 47% 48% 43% 40% 22% 22% 24% 28% 30% 31% 36%
Disagree Agree
‘I would pay more for flights to reduce the environmental or noise impact’
%
20 30 40 50
FIGURE 48: MAIN PURPOSE OF LAST FLIGHT Airline used
%
10 15 20
0 5
20% 20% 12% 9% 7% 5% 5% 5% 4% 80 Source: CAA 100 % 90 90% 88% 87% 86% 83% 82% 81% 41% 41% 41% 37% 35% 32% 22% 22% 22% 28% 29% 31%
15% 15%
Source: CAA
Flight satisfaction, 2016-19
Travel Weekly Insight Report 2019-20 31
Oct 2016 Mar 2017 Oct 2017 Apr 2018 Oct 2018 Apr 2019
British Airways
easyJet Ryanair
Jet2.com Tui Airways Thomas Cook Virgin Atlantic Emirates
Flybe/Connect Airways
Oct 2016 Mar 2017 Oct 2017 Apr 2018 Oct 2018 Apr 2019
Mar 2016 Oct 2016 Mar 2017 Oct 2017 Apr 2018 Oct 2018 Apr 2019
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