How Airlines are Tackling Airport Congestion in 2023

Tune in to “Now Boarding,” a captivating weekly podcast on air travel and the aviation industry. CNBC’s Leslie Josephs, airlines reporter, and Erin Black, senior producer, dive deep into fascinating topics like turbulence, airline status, boarding procedures, jumbo jets, and all things aviation. Catch this exciting episode and more on CNBC’s YouTube channel every Sunday.

In this episode of “Now Boarding,” Leslie and Erin explore how airlines are employing a strategy of utilizing larger aircraft to combat airport congestion in 2023. With challenges such as a pilot shortage and escalating costs restricting their ability to add more flights, airlines are turning to bigger planes that can accommodate a greater number of passengers. This approach, known as “upgauging,” enables airlines to boost their revenue while reducing unit costs per seat.

The adoption of larger aircraft also aims to address the disruptions and delays caused by the overwhelming volume of traffic at major airports. By operating fewer, yet larger planes, airlines can alleviate the strain on airport infrastructure and staff, resulting in improved customer satisfaction and loyalty. Passengers can enjoy shorter wait times and experience enhanced comfort during their journeys.

Nevertheless, airlines encounter certain challenges and limitations when implementing the use of bigger planes to combat airport congestion in 2023. Not all airports or gates can accommodate wide-body aircraft, which are the largest in their fleets. Airlines must carefully balance the demand for international flights, often requiring larger planes, with the varying demand for domestic flights based on season and destination. Additionally, environmental considerations come into play, as flying bigger planes may lead to increased fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Stay informed and join the engaging discussion on how airlines are strategically tackling airport congestion through the implementation of upgauging. Catch the latest episode of “Now Boarding” and other captivating content on CNBC’s YouTube channel every Sunday.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info,  businessinsider.com, cnbc.com