Amid all the optimism that we read regarding expansion of transatlantic, well any expansion in summer 2023, we mustn't forget that demands on household budgets in the next 12 months are going to include £3500 p.a utility bills, up around £2,000 from 12 months ago, and spiralling food prices. Where is the money going to come from to allow people to fill all the seats on all the extra services anticipated already for next summer?
Running a global travel business is well above my pay grade, but to me, consolidation of what's available in 2022 and retaining that level of business is going to be the best most airlines and tour operators can expect in 2023, expansion looks like a pipe dream. And let's not forget that these higher energy and food costs aren't just impacting the UK, but they are a global problem, so expecting to put inbound "bums on seats" is not likely to lead to much growth either.
2023 is going to be very tough, just what the industry doesn't need after the virtual two year hiatus caused by Covid-19 and the restrictions that were brought in as a consequence.