Positive start to 2011 as flights maintain gradual increase
29 March 2011
The number of flights handled by NATS in February was 0.5 per cent up on the same month last year, according to figures released today.
But the increase needs to be set against the context of widespread disruption caused by snow and ice during February 2010, making this year’s figures appear more positive.
Last month, our controllers managed 150,811 flights compared to 150,006 in February 2010. Flights in January rose by 4.6 per cent. Airlines began their summer schedules on Sunday March 27.
Some airports where NATS provides an air traffic control service registered an increase, including Aberdeen (5.9%), Manchester (4.0%), Luton (3.9%), Glasgow (3.5%) and Heathrow (2.7%).
| Feb2011 | Feb2010 | % gr | 2011 to Date | 2010 to Date | % gr | |
| UK FLIGHTS | 150,811 | 150,006 | 0.5% | 309,886 | 302,072 | 2.6% |
| CENTRES | ||||||
| Swanwick | 129,539 | 129,251 | 0.2% | 266,580 | 259,723 | 2.6% |
| Prestwick | 60,570 | 60,635 | -0.1% | 124,324 | 122,512 | 1.5% |
| London Area Control | 123,460 | 122,092 | 1.1% | 254,182 | 245,920 | 3.4% |
| London Terminal Control | 88,980 | 89,716 | -0.8% | 183,167 | 179,501 | 2.0% |
| Manchester Area Control Centre | 30,982 | 31,894 | -2.9% | 63,585 | 63,466 | 0.2% |
| Scottish Area Control Centre | 38,048 | 37,603 | 1.2% | 77,716 | 76,568 | 1.5% |
| Oceanic Area Control Centre (Shanwick) | 26,672 | 26,659 | 0.0% | 57,098 | 55,837 | 2.3% |
| MARKET | ||||||
| Transatlantic Arrivals/Departures | 8,687 | 8,343 | 4.1% | 18,291 | 17,442 | 4.9% |
| Transatlantic Overflights | 13,257 | 11,956 | 10.9% | 27,774 | 25,479 | 9.0% |
| Other Arrivals/Departures | 91,709 | 90,603 | 1.2% | 188,233 | 182,242 | 3.3% |
| Other Overflights | 6,931 | 7,083 | -2.1% | 14,173 | 14,422 | -1.7% |
| Domestic | 29,986 | 31,635 | -5.2% | 60,865 | 61,848 | -1.6% |