Industry trade organisation Airlines for America (A4A) is predicting a record-breaking summer for US airlines, with an estimated 271 million passengers expected to fly over the summer period.
This marks a 6.3 per cent increase from the 255 million passengers recorded in summer 2023, which was previously a record for the industry.
A4A also forecasts that US passenger airlines will operate 26,000 scheduled daily flights this summer, an increase of nearly 1,400 flights compared to last year.
United Airlines announced in October that it would operate its largest ever transatlantic schedules this summer, offering flights to 38 destinations. American Airlines is also launching numerous new and resumed routes to European destinations in the coming weeks. Additionally, JetBlue will commence flights between New York JFK and Edinburgh next week, while Delta is launching routes from JFK to Munich and Naples, as well as resuming flights to Shannon.
Rebecca Spicer, A4A senior vice president of communication, commented: “US airlines are excited to fly a record number of travellers this summer. Our carriers have adjusted their schedules to adapt to current realities of our National Airspace System (NAS), helping to alleviate some of those pressure points and making for a smooth summer travel season.”
This anticipated surge in passenger numbers reflects the growing demand for air travel and the airlines’ efforts to expand their services and improve operational efficiency.