Wizz Air and Ryanair leading recovery in European capacity

CAPA - Centre for Aviation, in a report entitled: 'European aviation capacity: Wizz Air and Ryanair lead recovery', stated (04-Aug-2021) throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, quarterly capacity plans filed by European airlines with OAG have fallen appreciably as each quarter has unfolded. For 3Q2021, capacity as a percentage of 2019 levels was projected at 72% at the start of the quarter and is now scheduled to be 67%. 3Q2021 capacity projections derived from schedules for the leading Western European airline groups are now consistent with recent guidance given by the carriers to stock markets. This suggests that the previous sliding outlook trend may be stabilising. Europe's total seat numbers are 34.7% below 2019 levels for the week commencing 02-Aug-2021, which is another new high for the pandemic period and keeps Europe in third place globally. Wizz Air and Ryanair are showing greater ambition in restoring capacity, helped by low fares, strong balance sheets and a flexible market entry culture. [more - CAPA Analysis]