NATS records annual increase in air traffic

NATS, the provider of en route air traffic services in the UK, recorded a 2.2% increase in 2014 traffic volumes when compared to the previous year.

Last year saw 2,200,804 flights, up from 2,153,995 in 2013.

In December 2014 alone, NATS handled 158,106 flights, which was an increase of 3.8% when compared to December 2013.

The month of December saw non-transatlantic overflights grow by a huge 8.5% to lead UK market growth, followed by transatlantic arrivals/departures with 6%. Domestic traffic grew for the second consecutive month in 2014, compared to 2013 figures, and is showing signs of withdrawing from its long term decline. The increase in the domestic market segment is due to additional routes being added to the airline winter schedules, predominantly at Bournemouth and East Midlands airports.

Scheduled traffic rose at twelve out of the fifteen airports where NATS operate air traffic control compared to December 2013. Growth was led by a strong performance at London City Airport (+31.1%). Stansted (+13.1%) also continued its run of strong growth posting its 16th month of consecutive growth while Gatwick posted its 21st month of consecutive growth.

Delay figures have improved year on year with 99.8% of flights not experiencing an air traffic control related delay in 2014.

Martin Rolfe, Managing Director Operations, NATS, said: “It’s great to see continued and consistent growth in air traffic, especially at the airports in which we operate. Delay has been kept to a minimum, despite the technical fault at Swanwick in December, and we look forward to providing a safe and efficient service for all of our customers in 2015.”