These figures are indeed good news, and symbolic of the enduring appeal and strength of air travel. However, don't expect any similar numbers from the long-haul sector! Don't forget that the low-cost short-haul business is relatively new, and has much room for expansion both in its own right and at the expense of the full-service operators. The long-haul business is mature, and somewhat slower-responding. It had its low-cost revolution twenty years ago in the wake of Laker, and, at least in economy, offers seat-mile fare levels below even those of the short-haul low-cost sector.
For the UK long-haul airlines, the overall traffic levels are broadly comparable to this time last year. However, the high-yield premium traffic is still well down, and thus profitability is marginal at best. This is where we need improvements before any serious replacement of lost capacity begins. It's quite possible that there will be a large scale and permanent drift away from these high-cost fares, and that airlines will need to reconfigure their cabins to reflect the new demands - increasing costs just when revenue is down!
Anyway, as you say - good news. Let's hope it continues.
PS Slightly off-topic, but tonight's Watchdog (UK BBC TV) carried an item about low-cost carriers' fares. They tried various airlines for a return fare from London to each of three destinations (Dublin, Paris, Rome - I think) for a flight out on 26th April. The average was about £140, or not much less than a Virgin or BA return to the East Coast of the USA! Not only that but, on at least one route, Air France was the cheapest! Perhaps it's no surprise that these 'low-cost' airlines are doing well!
Last edited by scroggs; 9th April 2002 at 21:28.