Weekly Digest – March 3, 2025

Reporting Period: February 16 - March 2, 2025

Weekly Observation

The aviation sector saw Turkish Airlines (TK) rebounding significantly with a 26.0% increase in flights, reclaiming market strength. Conversely, Lufthansa (LH) experienced a sharp 13.4% decline, impacting its market positioning. British Airways (BA), Qatar Airways (QR), and Emirates (EK) maintained relative stability with minor fluctuations.

Headlines

• Turkish Airlines Leads Growth with a 26.0% Surge
  • Total Flights: 6,576 (+26.0%)
  • Market Share: 18.93%
  • Key routes: IST-JED, CDG-IST, GZT-IST.
• Lufthansa Sees a Notable Drop (-13.4%)
  • Total Flights: 5,056 (-13.4%)
  • Market Share: 14.56%
  • Declines across FRA-MUC and BER-FRA routes.
• British Airways and Qatar Airways Remain Stable
  • BA Total Flights: 4,782 (-0.9%)
  • QR Total Flights: 3,652 (-0.7%)
  • BA's busiest routes: EDI-LHR, GLA-LHR, GVA-LHR.
• Emirates Maintains Its Position
  • EK Total Flights: 2,872 (-0.2%)
  • Key routes: DXB-LHR, BOM-DXB, BKK-DXB.

Market Leaders

1. Turkish Airlines (TK)

• Total Flights: 6,576 (+26.0%)
• Market Share: 18.93%
• Top Routes: ESB-IST, AYT-IST, ADB-IST
• Fleet Highlights: A321 (3,192 flights), A21N (2,465 flights), B738 (1,788 flights)

2. Lufthansa (LH)

• Total Flights: 5,056 (-13.4%)
• Market Share: 14.56%
• Top Routes: FRA-MUC, BER-FRA, FRA-HAM
• Fleet Highlights: A320 (3,062 flights), A321 (2,452 flights), A319 (2,312 flights)

3. British Airways (BA)

• Total Flights: 4,782 (-0.9%)
• Market Share: 13.77%
• Top Routes: EDI-LHR, GLA-LHR, GVA-LHR
• Fleet Highlights: A320 (3,505 flights), A20N (1,603 flights), B772 (1,173 flights)

4. Qatar Airways (QR)

• Total Flights: 3,652 (-0.7%)
• Market Share: 10.51%
• Top Routes: DOH-LHR, DOH-HKG, BKK-DOH
• Fleet Highlights: B77W (2,089 flights), A320 (1,780 flights), A359 (1,384 flights)

5. Emirates (EK)

• Total Flights: 2,872 (-0.2%)
• Market Share: 8.27%
• Top Routes: DXB-LHR, BOM-DXB, BKK-DXB
• Fleet Highlights: B77W (4,752 flights), A388 (3,045 flights), B77L (583 flights)

6. Air France (AF)

• Total Flights: 4,417 (-1.1%)
• Market Share: 12.72%
• Top Routes: AMS-CDG, NCE-ORY, ORY-TLS
• Fleet Highlights: A320 (2,067 flights), BCS3 (1,855 flights), E190 (1,498 flights)

7. KLM (KL)

• Total Flights: 3,696 (-1.2%)
• Market Share: 10.64%
• Top Routes: AMS-LHR, AMS-CPH, AMS-BER
• Fleet Highlights: B738 (2,121 flights), E190 (1,778 flights), E75L (1,251 flights)

Overall Market Trends

• Turkish Airlines' growth (+26.0%) signals a major recovery, surpassing pre-decline levels.
• Lufthansa's decline (-13.4%) raises concerns, particularly on European routes.
• Air France, KLM, and Qatar Airways observed minor fluctuations with slight downturns.
• British Airways, Emirates, and Etihad Airways showcased stable operations.

Destination Insights

(Excluding Major Hubs: IST, LHR, DXB, CDG, FRA, AMS)

• Geneva (GVA) - Strong presence from British Airways and Air France.
• Bangalore (BLR) - Increased demand for Lufthansa and Qatar Airways.
• Cape Town (CPT) - Strong interest from Emirates and Qatar Airways.
• Toronto (YYZ) - Expanded operations by British Airways and Lufthansa.
• Manchester (MAN) - British Airways maintains steady flights.

Fleet Performance Highlights

• Turkish Airlines (TK): A321 leads with 3,192 flights.
• Lufthansa (LH): A320 continues dominance with 3,062 flights.
• British Airways (BA): A320 remains core with 3,505 flights.
• Qatar Airways (QR): B77W leads with 2,089 flights.
• Emirates (EK): B77W maintains 4,752 flights, followed by A388 at 3,045 flights.

Closing Remarks

This week marked Turkish Airlines’ significant resurgence, while Lufthansa faced notable declines. British Airways, Emirates, and Qatar Airways maintained consistent operations. Moving forward, attention remains on Lufthansa’s potential recovery and Turkish Airlines’ continued expansion.

Stay tuned for next week’s insights from Efabrika Aviation Insights.