Air transport: impressive growth despite the Covid-19 crisis
Over the past decades, air transport has grown dramatically, with an average increase of 5% per year. Impressive figures support this trend, according to columnist Jean-Louise Barroux, President of World Connect By APG.
Indeed, the volume of passengers transported by air has increased exponentially. In 1970, 310 million passengers used this mode of transport, while in 1980 this figure had doubled to reach 641 million passengers. Growth continued in the following decades, with 1,020 million passengers in 1990, and 1,670 million in 2000.
However, this sustained growth faced a major challenge in 2019 with the arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic. Air traffic fell significantly to just 1,770 million passengers, a level similar to that of the year 2000.
Despite these difficulties, the air transport sector is preparing for a strong rebound. For example, in India alone, 1,000 new planes were ordered at the last Paris Air Show. Similarly, Royal Air Maroc has announced its intention to order 200 additional aircraft. Chinese carriers also maintain strong production activity.
It is important to note that modern aircraft are much more robust than their predecessors. They can be used for about 30 years, whereas the planes of the 1970s only had a lifespan of about 15 years. This extended capability of current aircraft contributes to confidence and continued growth in the industry.
In the context of the post-Covid global economic recovery, the air transport sector is likely to see a rapid revival of activity. The outlook for aircraft orders for the coming years is promising, and industry players are gearing up to meet the growing demand for air travel.
In conclusion, despite the shocks caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, air transport remains a dynamic and expanding sector. Traveler confidence is slowly returning, and airlines are positioning themselves to meet future demand