Airline seat numbers 'at record high'

There are now almost 310 million airline seats available on flights across the globe, according to new figures.

Statistics from the Official Airline Guide (OAG) reveal that this is equivalent to the entire US population and represents a seven per cent increase compared with July 2006.

In total, 2.6 million flights have been scheduled for this month, a significant increase compared with May's record figure of 2.5 million.

Africa and the Asia Pacific were found to have seen the greatest increases in the number of aircraft that are operating flights.

"It is apparent from our statistics that there is continued and growing consumer demand for air travel," commented John Weber, managing director of aviation services at OAG.

"While airlines worldwide are responding to this demand by increasing their capacity, they are also committed to making significant investment in new, more efficient aircraft."

The figures come shortly after Boeing launched its new eco-friendly 787 Dreamliner aircraft, which has been ordered by carriers such as Virgin Atlantic, Air New Zealand and Icelandair.

UK airline bmi also recently announced plans to expand its fleet of planes and significantly increase the number of mid and long-haul flights that it offers.

• Less than a week until Esta launch
• US connecting flights proving popular at Bristol Airport
• Record year for London City Airport
• Virgin Atlantic to celebrate 25th year
• Record passenger growth for Etihad in 2008
• KLM to turn 90 this year
• Continental to launch new Heathrow flights
• Aer Lingus to launch flights from Gatwick Airport
• British Airways orders 11 new aircraft
• Milestone reached in Birmingham Airport pier project