In 2018, passenger traffic rose by 1.9% and the number of aircraft movements fell by 1.9%. Cargo business, meanwhile, recorded a 7% increase on 2017.
For 2018 as a whole, Geneva Airport welcomed 17,677,045 passengers, 1.9% more than in 2017. This figure marks a slowdown in passenger growth compared with the previous year. In 2017, the increase in the number of passengers using the airport was 4.95% on 2016.
Over the last twelve months, total landings and take-offs fell by 1.9% to 187,162 movements. From 2016 to 2017, the number of aircraft movements had risen by 0.49%.
Geneva Airport's annual statistics once again confirm the decoupling of passenger numbers from aircraft movements. This is due to a better adaptation of capacities (airlines are opting for larger aircraft) and the optimization of aircraft load factors.
The fleet choices of the main airlines operating on the hub are part of this trend. The Bombardier CSeries, A320neo, A350 and Boeing 787, which are quieter and consume less kerosene, are also helping to limit noise emissions.
Freight activity on the rise
Airfreight activity at Geneva Airport rose significantly by 7% to 95,270 tonnes, taking advantage of the cargo capacity already available on airliners at Geneva Airport. From 2016 to 2017, it had risen by 18.7%, reaching a cargo volume of 89,012 tonnes.
The positive trend in freight volumes is a barometer of the regional economy. It also confirms Geneva Airport's policy of meeting the expectations of its economic fabric for such transport services, and underlines the quality of the infrastructure made available for the cargo handling process.
Despite modest growth, Geneva Airport's service to over 140 destinations has been strengthened. New long-haul flights, including the thrice-weekly route between Geneva and Addis Ababa opened by Ethiopian Airlines in 2018, have improved the region's international connectivity.
The airlines competing for the top ten places in terms of market share are easyJet (45.0%), SWISS (11.8%), British Airways (4.9%), Air France (4.1%), Lufthansa (3.8%), KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (2.5%), Brussels Airlines (2.2%), TAP Portugal (2.2%), Iberia (2.1%), and Emirates (1.9%).
The annual report and financial statements for 2018, as well as the destinations ranking, will be published at the end of March.