In the ever-evolving realm of air travel, the coming year holds a multitude of developments and challenges. Join us as we navigate through the trends and issues that will define the aviation landscape in 2024.

The skies may present challenges, but they also offer opportunities and innovations that will shape the future of air travel. Here’s what we anticipate will shape our journeys through the skies next year.

1) Soaring Prices or Smooth Sailing? Unpacking 2024 Fare Predictions

In 2024, expect a continuation of the status quo in flight prices, with minor fluctuations. Off-peak seasons may offer some relief due to softened demand, but the underlying factors, such as increased salaries and fluctuating oil prices, suggest a stable rather than cost-saving experience.

Keep an eye on routes with additional capacity, particularly in the transatlantic sector, as legacy carriers, led by United Airlines, open new routes, potentially influencing fare dynamics.

2) Turbulence Ahead: Persistent Disruptions and Global Issues

The year ahead won't be without challenges. Lingering disruptions from the previous year and global issues may impact the aviation industry. The Pratt & Whitney engine problem is expected to peak, potentially grounding up to 300 aircrafts globally at any given time.

Carriers like Lufthansa, Indigo, Delta Air Lines, Wizzair, and Virgin Atlantic may experience disruptions from these delays. Some airlines, however, might find opportunities with these engine delays. With reduced capacity, they have an opportunity to exert higher fares.

Boeing’s recent backlog issues add another disruption for airlines that simply don’t know when their new aircraft will be arriving next year, making planning a bit difficult for some.

3) Business Travel 2.0: Short-Haul Sector Faces Uphill Climb

The return of business travel has started post-pandemic, but not all sectors will recover at the same pace. Short-haul business travel may continue to lag behind, as video calling and conferencing options prove to be more time and cost-effective for many professionals.

Then in Europe, regulators are impacting short hall travel with new regulations. With a goal of cutting carbon emissions, new regulations have been put in place that ban short distance travel via plane. For example, in France, the Government has banned flights from domestic airports within a four hour train journey of Paris.

4) AI Takes the Pilot's Seat: Innovations in the Industry

Technological advancements will continue to take center stage in 2024. While drones and VTOLs remain on the horizon, Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications are set to revolutionize the aviation landscape.

We can expect transformative changes with AI, from optimizing operations to enhancing passenger experiences, AI will continue to be a driving force behind industry advancements.

5) The Dogfight for Dominance: Low-Cost Carriers (LCCs) vs. Legacy Giants

The struggle for market share and profitability continues in 2024 between Low-Cost Carriers (LCCs) and legacy giants. Both entities will compete vigorously, with legacy carriers challenging the LCCs. However, LCC’s will need to persevere to secure their market share and revenue.

Consumers will always come back for a low fare –and that’s helping LCC’s maintain a competitive stance. There is a growing share of capacity behind flights operated by LCC’s. Some of the U.S.’s largest airports have seen a huge boost in flights operated by LCC’s in the past 3 years, and that’s expected to grow.

As we look ahead to 2024, stay tuned for more insights and analyses from OAG, You can subscribe to receive an alert when we publish a new article below.