According to the International Air Transport Association’s global air traffic data, the mature U.S. market grew by just over 1% in 2012, compared with growth of nearly 7% in the Asia-Pacific region, over 8% in Africa, over 10% in Latin America and a staggering 17% in the Middle East.
Based on market growth projections only, Etihad, Emirates and Qatar Airlines have a reason to invest in remaining the world’s best. American carriers will have to create similar high end cabins and airport customs services to compete in international markets.