Airlines are on the path back to normality, with an increasing number of international carriers announcing the reinstatement of services cut in the wake of September 11. But some industry leaders worry a quick return to profitable operations will be delayed by airlines adding too much capacity, too soon.
In Asia, Thai Airways last month decided to increase flights into its Bangkok hub, particularly from North America and the Middle East, a relatively new market for the carrier. China Airlines and EVA Airways announced increases in cargo flights to Europe on expectations of an economic recovery in that market.
Singapore Airlines (SIA) has made two separate moves to increase offerings for passengers on its summer schedule.
From May 1, SIA will reinstate many previously reduced or suspended frequencies and services to North America, Europe, Asia and the southwest Pacific. These include the resumption of a three times a week Singapore-Amsterdam-Chicago service suspended in January and a twice-daily service to Frankfurt.
SIA described its moves as a 'further adjustment . . . to better match capacity with demand across its network'.
Michael Tan, senior executive vice-president commercial, said SIA had seen a steady recovery in general passenger traffic and, more importantly for airline profits, business travellers.