Leisure & corporate travel hits 4-year high, FCM Consulting data shows

Antalya, Turkey - September 10, 2016: Security and passport control at Antalya International Airport, Turkey.
Edited by Travel Weekly


    FCM Consulting’s trend report for Q4-2023 has revealed that both leisure and corporate travel are set to surpass the annual travel capacity in 2018 and 2019.

    The report, which cites data from Cirium, also highlighted a key global trend that is set to continue for 2024 – more seats with fewer flights. The first half of the year is forecast to offer 3.5 per cent more seats, and 5.6 per cent less flights than the first half of 2019.

    “This is a result of fleet configuration changes and shifts in schedules to meet the demand,” APAC director, FCM Consulting, Felicity Burke, said.

    “When carefully planned, this will be favourable to airline operating costs, staffing, airport slots and airport costs.

    “More seats and less flights will mean less scheduled choice for passengers, but it will contribute to the improvement of travel times, and the environmental impact of travel.

    Six different airlines have brought aboard new business class offerings over the past four years, providing new pricing and inclusions options for travellers, including, for example, through Business Luxe and Business Lite.

    Qatar Airways long haul Business Class. (Supplied)

    Jet fuel costs continue to impact on travel costs, and while the last quarter of 2023 saw the lowest prices of the year at USD$102 ($156 AUD) per barrel, that was somewhat short lived and jumped to USD$107 ($164 AUD) per barrel in January 2024.

    The report highlights Q4 as a close to a milestone 2023 with corporate travel at its busiest in over four years.

    Q4-2023 closed a milestone year, seeing corporate travel the busiest and least interrupted in over four years. Business travellers became more confident than in previous years and are planning trips in 2024 to both grow their business, and connect with clients and colleagues,” Ms Burke said.

    “Corporates became more confident than in previous years and are planning trips in 2024 to grow
    their business, connect with client and colleagues.”

    Latest News

    • Aviation

    Low-cost Indian carrier SpiceJet continues to burn cash

    It’s not just low-cost Australian carriers that are facing hardship. SpiceJet, India’s version of Bonza, recently announced a 72 per cent reduction in its net loss versus last year. But, despite this improvement, the airline has posted losses for six straight years. But it has secured board approval to raise up to INR 30 billion […]

    • Attractions

    SAKA Museum recognised in TIME magazine’s World’s Greatest Places 2024

    AYANA Resort Bali’s newly-opened cultural and events centre, SAKA Museum has been recognised in TIME magazine’s World’s Greatest Places list for 2024. Part of AYANA Bali’s resort destination, the museum integrates Bali’s rich history with state-of-the-art facilities, making it the centrepiece for the island’s spiritual and cultural heritage. TIME magazine’s inclusion of SAKA Museum in […]

    • Cruise

    Silversea taps Barbara Biffi as senior vice president for global sales

    Ultra-luxury and expedition cruise travel brand, Silverseas, has announced Barbara Biffi as its new senior vice president of global sales. Biffi joined the company in 2007, holding numerous positions and gaining a deep understanding of the brand, the preferences of its guests and its strategic goals, the company said. An Italian national with a wealth […]

    • Technology
    • Travel Agents

    Amadeus welcomes FCM Travel as new reseller partner of Cytric Easy

    Cytric Easy, the travel management tool embedded in Microsoft Teams, is to be integrated into FCM Travel portfolio. Amadeus and FCM Travel have extended their Cytric distribution agreement to include Cytric Easy. With this new agreement, global travel management company FCM Travel, becomes a reseller of the innovative travel management collaboration solution embedded into Microsoft […]