Number and Length of International Air Trips Grew During 1990s, BTS Reports

Contact BTS 19-02 David Smallen 202-366-5568

Monday, July 22, 2002 -- U.S. air carriers carried more international travelers in 2000 than in 1990 and took them on longer flights, according to U.S. International Travel and Transportation Trends, a new publication released today by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS).

International revenue passenger-miles flown on U.S. carriers rose 52 percent, from 124 billion in 1990 to 190 billion in 2000. This growth outpaced the 29 percent rise in international enplanements on U.S. carriers during the same period, indicating that international travelers were taking longer air trips on average in 2000 than they were in 1990.

U.S. International Travel and Transportation Trends covers the period from 1990 to 2000 with an update to examine the impact of Sept. 11 on international travel. Prior to the attacks, international passenger travel by all modes of transportation to and from the United States showed steady growth in most markets, for an average annual increase of 2 percent between 1990 and 2000. Outbound passenger travel from the U.S. grew 31 percent for the decade while inbound travel rose 6 percent.

"U.S. International Travel and Transportation Trends provides decision-makers with a comprehensive look at the long-term trends in international travel," Ashish Sen, BTS Director said. "Although the trends were interrupted by the events of Sept. 11, recent reports show they are slowly returning to their previous levels as traveler confidence is restored."

U.S. international air travel was negatively affected by the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks along with most other types of travel. International revenue-passenger miles fell 37 percent and international enplanements were down 32 percent on U.S. carriers in October 2001 compared to October 2000. The international load factor for U.S. carriers also dropped from 75 percent in October 2000 to 57 percent in October 2001.

The new BTS publication analyzes many different data sets to provide a picture of international travel to and from the United States. It contains a review of overseas and North American travel trends, including border issues and aviation security.

To order a copy of U.S. International Travel and Transportation Trends, contact BTS by phone at 202-366-DATA (press 1), by fax at 202-366-3197, by e-mail at answers@bts.gov or by mail to Product Orders, Bureau of Transportation Statistics, USDOT, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Room 3103, Washington, DC 20590.

BTS collects and disseminates international transportation data, covering both travel and trade, to improve the understanding of the U.S. transportation system within a dynamic global context. This activity is undertaken to improve the understanding of the full impact of freight activity and passenger travel on the U.S. transportation system so effective transportation links can be developed and maintained.

BTS compiles and disseminates border crossing and entry data including information on passenger and vehicle crossings at U.S. ports of entry. Data can be obtained from the BTS Information Services at 1-800-853-1351 or 202-366-3492.

BTS' Office of Airline Information collects financial and traffic information on U.S. domestic and international aviation. Information is available at www.bts.gov/oai.