Figures reveal aviation boom

Scheduled flights for May have risen by five per cent across the globe, according to new figures.

Statistics from the Official Airline Guide (OAG) have revealed that the aviation industry is continuing to grow, with 113,827 extra flights in total now available to holidaymakers. More than 2.5 million flights have been scheduled for this month, breaking the previous record set in August 2006.

The Middle East is enjoying the greatest growth in available flights, followed by the Asia Pacific region and Europe. The fastest-growing route was found to be from western Europe to Africa, up 13 per cent compared with the same time last year.

Joseph F Laughlin, vice president of sales for OAG, noted that the Americas have "experienced relatively modest growth" in terms of flights.

Recent figures from the International Air Transport Association indicated that overall global demand for flights increased by 7.8 per cent during the month of March.

• British Airways boss underlines Heathrow Airport importance
• Emirates completes move to new terminal in Dubai
• New US airport runways welcomed
• New campaign invites holidaymakers to Paris
• Tokyo 'the world's culinary capital'
• Observation wheel to open in Melbourne
• Visitors offered Christmas bonuses in Brussels
• Stansted Airport eco-certification extended to 2011
• United Airlines to resume flights from London to Denver
• US airspace expanded for holiday period