In September 2009, 19 per cent of female passengers flying out of London City Airport were aged under 35 and 59 per cent were aged 35-54. In December 2012, 49 per cent were under 35 and just 35 per cent were aged 35-54.
Research published to mark International Women’s Day (8th March 2013) shows that more young women are travelling by air than their older counterparts for the first time.
The trend has been increasing over the last two years, according to a tracker by London City Airport [LCY], the only airport actually in London. Women under 35 now form a higher proportion of passengers travelling through the airport than those aged 35-54.
LCY is known for its popularity with business travellers, due to its convenient location close to the City and its quick check in times. Some of its busiest routes include Zurich, Geneva, Edinburgh, Amsterdam and Frankfurt. The findings could therefore suggest that the increase is due to more young women making their mark in business in London than ever before.
In September 2009, 19 per cent of female passengers flying out of London City Airport were aged under 35 and 59 per cent were aged 35-54. In December 2012, 49 per cent were under 35 and just 35 per cent were aged 35-54.
Matthew Hall, Chief Commercial Officer at London City Airport said: “The proportion of male and female passengers travelling through the airport has remained stable over the last few years at around 60/40. However, the increase in younger women travelling is interesting and suggests a lifestyle shift in this age group. Whether the pattern is due to more women getting ahead in business or young women becoming more mobile in their leisure activities, it does suggest that young women have an increasing propensity to travel and are financially able to do so more regularly.”
However, it’s not all good news for women; there remains a divide of the sexes when it comes to income. The survey showed that the average income of business passengers has increased from £83,000 in 2005-06 to £102,000 in 2011-12, with women earning around one quarter less than men.
Case Study
Louise Bouverat, 29, is Senior Marketing Manager for the conference and events arm of an international newspaper group. The company stages more than 200 events globally each year, ranging from roundtables for 10 guests to receptions for 400. Louise’s job is to promote the events to key audiences and encourage attendance.
Louise said: “I travel overseas around eight times per year, mostly to meet clients and attend events. Sometimes I’m away for just 48 hours and at other times I’ll visit several different cities or countries over a couple of weeks before returning home. There are many females in senior positions within my company and we are quite a young team.
“I don’t think age should be a key factor when choosing whether to promote or hire someone, it’s about an individual’s ability to perform the role and deliver results. Often younger people can approach tasks with a different perspective, for example in my industry by identifying where traditional marketing models can be tweaked and improved.
“The amount of travel demanded by my role means that such a position is perhaps more suited to a younger person with few commitments. Being flexible and mobile is all part of the job and I feel very fortunate that I’m able to see the world through my work.”
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
