Seasonality in European and North American Air Transport Markets: Network Structures and Implications for Airline Performance and Recovery

Abstract

Abstract This industry note focuses on the seasonal variability in air traffic services and highlights the differences between air service capacity provision in Europe and North America. We explore the manifestations and measurement of seasonality, looking at the trends across airport communities and among airlines in the two continental regions. The relationship between airline network structure and seasonality is also explored in the study. We argue that there are a complex set of drivers of the observed differences in air traffic seasonality and set out a research agenda for further investigation.