European Airlines Gain Ground Analyzing Turkish Airlines, Air France, and KLM’s Rise in 2024 Skytrax Top 10

European Airlines Gain Ground Analyzing Turkish Airlines, Air France, and KLM's Rise in 2024 Skytrax Top 10 - Turkish Airlines Takes Lead With New Istanbul Hub Adding 11% More Seats in 2024

Turkish Airlines' commitment to its new Istanbul hub is driving a major expansion in 2024, with an ambitious 11% increase in available seats. This move is clearly aimed at making Istanbul Airport a crucial link for global travel, especially between East and West, further boosting its already prominent position as a major transfer point. The airline's performance in recent years, surpassing pre-crisis levels, suggests a robust recovery and a bold strategy for growth. With a vast network spanning 340 destinations in 129 countries, Turkish Airlines seems determined to capture a larger share of the market.

However, a crucial question remains: can such significant expansion be managed without impacting service quality? Maintaining the high standards expected of a leading European airline, in the face of increased passenger traffic and operational complexities, will be a key challenge in the months to come. The success of this expansion will depend on whether the airline can effectively manage the added capacity without compromising the passenger experience.

Turkish Airlines is pushing forward with its ambitious expansion plans, particularly at its new Istanbul hub. They've announced a significant increase in seat capacity for 2024, targeting a 11% growth. This aggressive move could potentially solidify Istanbul as a major global aviation hub and even challenge the current leading airlines in Europe.

The Istanbul airport's strategic positioning at the confluence of Europe, Asia, and Africa naturally lends itself to intercontinental travel, making it a key player in East-West air traffic. With connections to over 350 destinations, it functions as a crucial link for a large portion of the global air travel network.

One intriguing aspect of Turkish Airlines' recent performance is its improved load factor. This metric, which reflects the proportion of seats filled on each flight, has been increasing, suggesting that more passengers are choosing them, possibly due to competitive pricing. The airline's approach of establishing connections to lesser-known destinations may indeed lead to more affordable travel opportunities in the long run as those markets mature.

The airline’s modernization initiatives, particularly with the acquisition of more long-haul aircraft, offer a dual advantage. It naturally increases capacity, but could also result in better fuel efficiency. From a purely technical point of view, the fuel efficiency is an intriguing proposition, but it needs to be monitored and analyzed as to what effect it has on long-term operating costs and fares.

However, in addition to their network expansion and fleet modernization strategies, Turkish Airlines has also been improving other elements of its offering, leading to a boost in passenger satisfaction. The culinary experience onboard their flights has been praised for its quality, potentially creating a competitive edge in the market. If true, this could be seen as a positive differentiating factor in comparison to other European carriers.


Additionally, their frequent flyer program, Miles&Smiles, appears to be a successful tool in their arsenal. By allowing a wider range of redemptions across various carriers, it creates value for a large traveler segment who are seeking ways to maximize their miles and explore a wider spectrum of destinations at potentially lower costs.


The growing prominence of Istanbul as a transport hub has naturally also invigorated the surrounding hospitality sector. We are seeing an increase in new hotels near the airport, potentially offering more economical lodging options for travelers who need to overnight in transit.

The repercussions of this expansion are, of course, not limited to Turkish Airlines itself. One potential outcome might be increased competition amongst European airlines. We could see them engage in fare adjustments to defend or grow their market share, potentially creating opportunities for travelers to secure better deals on European routes.

Finally, the growth of this major hub and its travel industry brings new visibility to Turkey and the region. Events like the Travel Istanbul Fair showcase the diverse aspects of tourism in Turkey, encompassing everything from local culinary trends to current travel inclinations. This increased awareness may further encourage the growth of tourism and create interesting tour packages that will broaden the appeal for future travelers.

What else is in this post?

1. European Airlines Gain Ground Analyzing Turkish Airlines, Air France, and KLM's Rise in 2024 Skytrax Top 10 - Turkish Airlines Takes Lead With New Istanbul Hub Adding 11% More Seats in 2024
2. European Airlines Gain Ground Analyzing Turkish Airlines, Air France, and KLM's Rise in 2024 Skytrax Top 10 - Air France Climbs to 9th Place Globally After Major Business Class Updates
3. European Airlines Gain Ground Analyzing Turkish Airlines, Air France, and KLM's Rise in 2024 Skytrax Top 10 - KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Shows Strong Performance With Expanded European Network
4. European Airlines Gain Ground Analyzing Turkish Airlines, Air France, and KLM's Rise in 2024 Skytrax Top 10 - European Legacy Carriers Add 150 New Routes Between Major Cities
5. European Airlines Gain Ground Analyzing Turkish Airlines, Air France, and KLM's Rise in 2024 Skytrax Top 10 - Mediterranean Flight Options Expand With Turkish Airlines Southern Europe Leadership
6. European Airlines Gain Ground Analyzing Turkish Airlines, Air France, and KLM's Rise in 2024 Skytrax Top 10 - European Airlines See Record Growth With 350 Aircraft Deliveries Expected

European Airlines Gain Ground Analyzing Turkish Airlines, Air France, and KLM's Rise in 2024 Skytrax Top 10 - Air France Climbs to 9th Place Globally After Major Business Class Updates

Air France has managed to climb to the 9th spot globally in the prestigious 2024 Skytrax World Airline Awards, largely attributed to significant upgrades in their business class offerings. This upward trajectory reflects a focused effort by the airline to elevate the passenger experience, particularly for those seeking premium travel.

A key component of this improvement has been the introduction of redesigned business class seats found on their Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A350-900 aircraft. These new configurations aim for a more private and comfortable experience with features like sliding doors and a reverse 1-2-1 seating layout. While Air France operates a vast network of about 1,500 daily flights across 312 destinations in 116 countries, they've also streamlined some parts of their operations. For example, the decision to retire their Airbus A380 fleet in favor of smaller aircraft will impact previously serviced routes like those to New York, Atlanta and others.

It is interesting to note that Air France, alongside KLM, has been a prominent player in the European air transport sector for years. This joint effort and their combined efforts could potentially lead to greater leverage in a market that is increasingly competitive among European airlines. Whether the strategy of modernizing and improving business class offerings is truly effective and whether it will translate to greater market share and profitability remains to be seen.

The enhanced offerings don't come cheap. A sample fare for a business class flight from New York to Paris in April 2024 reveals a starting point of around $2,592. Prices can range significantly, going from about $1,500 to well over $5,000, depending on the date and other influencing factors. It will be intriguing to follow Air France's continued evolution in the face of evolving customer demands and the increasingly competitive landscape in the premium airline segment.

Air France's recent ascent to the 9th position in the 2024 Skytrax World Airline Awards is a testament to their efforts in upgrading their business class offering. The airline, operating a vast network of roughly 1,500 daily flights to 312 destinations across 116 countries, has seen a noticeable shift in its appeal to premium travelers. This follows a long-standing partnership with KLM, established in 2004, and has cemented their position as a major European player within the global air transport landscape.

A key factor in this success appears to be the revamped business class experience, notably on their Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A350-900 aircraft. These aircraft now boast what some consider to be the best business class seats currently available, a significant accomplishment within the industry. The Boeing 777, for instance, now includes enclosed suites with sliding doors and a 1-2-1 reverse seat layout. These design choices are likely a direct response to market demand for more privacy and enhanced comfort on longer flights.

The cost of experiencing this improved service is not insignificant. A business class ticket from New York's JFK to Paris' CDG in April 2024, for instance, can range from about $1,500 to over $5,000, with an average starting price around $2,592. It is likely this price variance is impacted by date and seasonality, which is typical for the airline industry.

Interestingly, the airline has also decided to retire its Airbus A380 fleet. They've transitioned to using smaller aircraft on routes previously serviced by the A380, like those to New York, Atlanta, Miami, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. This decision could have multiple reasons, potentially related to operational efficiency or adapting to changing demand.

Air France hasn't limited itself to seat upgrades. They've also focused on enriching the overall travel experience. This includes providing better amenities, improving the inflight experience, and prioritizing business class travelers at airports with dedicated check-in counters. It appears Air France is actively trying to cater to those who prioritize speed, convenience and comfort when they travel.

While it's difficult to isolate the impact of these changes from other factors, it's plausible that they have contributed to Air France's recent rise in the Skytrax rankings. The airline is now considered a leader in premium travel, a remarkable achievement in a highly competitive global market. This success reinforces the notion that by strategically focusing on improvements in service and product offerings, airlines can carve a niche for themselves in the global aviation market.

European Airlines Gain Ground Analyzing Turkish Airlines, Air France, and KLM's Rise in 2024 Skytrax Top 10 - KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Shows Strong Performance With Expanded European Network

KLM, the venerable Dutch airline, has been steadily building upon its European network, setting its sights on being a top player in the region. They've expanded their reach significantly, now offering connections to 92 destinations within Europe and another 70 across the globe. This has translated into a healthy increase in available seats, with over 114 million scheduled in recent months, a number exceeding what they offered in 2019. This aggressive approach hints at a desire to capture a greater share of the market, but it's not without its complications.

Unfortunately, KLM, like other airlines, is facing rising costs for essential aspects of operations – aircraft, staff, and airport fees. These factors have led to a noticeable decrease in profits compared to previous years. It's a reminder that growth doesn't always equal immediate financial gains, especially when operating in a sector with so many moving parts and ever-changing external factors.

KLM hasn't been standing still in the face of these challenges. They've been leveraging joint ventures, such as the transatlantic partnership with Air France, Delta, and Virgin Atlantic, to maximize resources and potentially spread the risks of operating in a dynamic market. In addition to joint ventures, their use of digital tools and data analytics to make better decisions regarding their fleets, ground operations and passenger service seems like a logical step to become more efficient.

It's an interesting time for KLM. They've clearly set ambitious goals for their European network, and are striving to enhance both operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. How effectively they navigate rising costs and maintain their commitment to these principles amidst growing competition will be crucial to their future success. The coming months will tell the story of whether their strategy can be truly sustainable.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has been demonstrating a robust performance, particularly within its European network. They've been actively expanding their reach, adding new routes throughout 2024, with a keen eye on destinations that haven't historically had a lot of direct flight options. This strategy appears to be a gamble on capturing a larger slice of the travel market and tapping into untapped travel demand in these regions. It remains to be seen if this calculated risk will pay off.

One interesting indicator is KLM's load factors, which have been remarkably high, exceeding 85% on average. This signifies that the airline is managing their capacity effectively and seems to be running lean and efficient, which is especially important for staying profitable in a highly competitive market.

Their Flying Blue loyalty program has been tweaked and expanded, offering members more ways to redeem their miles. It is now possible to use those rewards for hotel stays, upgrades, and even activities at vacation spots. It's fascinating to see the emphasis on allowing travelers more flexibility and control in how they use those miles.

KLM has been pretty aggressive with pricing on some routes, offering transcontinental flights for as low as €200 round-trip during slower travel periods. This approach is appealing to budget-minded travelers and could potentially attract more people to their newer routes. It will be interesting to track if this pricing tactic results in a meaningful uptick in bookings.

They've been forging new bilateral aviation agreements with other European airlines, allowing them to launch new routes and increase flight frequencies on existing ones. These partnerships lead to a more comprehensive route map, creating more choice for passengers and easing their entry into new markets.

KLM is using technology to their advantage, leveraging advanced analytics to streamline operations. This is helping them to make smarter pricing decisions, optimize luggage handling, and keep aircraft maintenance on track. The goal is to lower expenses and enhance service quality. It will be interesting to observe if their use of analytics provides a long-term, sustainable competitive advantage.


In an effort to provide an enriched customer experience, they have partnered with European chefs to create a new in-flight menu. It's essentially a rotating selection of dishes based on different European regions, showcasing local flavors and culinary trends. This approach aims to elevate the travel experience and cater to preferences for more sophisticated food options during flights. Will these efforts make a perceptible difference to their passenger experience? It's something to watch.

It seems eco-conscious travelers are increasingly selecting KLM as their carrier. This is due, in part, to KLM’s proactive approach to tracking and reporting their emissions. They also have initiatives geared towards offsetting carbon footprints, albeit without emphasizing it as a core aspect of their business. It's interesting how integrating sustainability into their marketing campaigns has been beneficial even though they appear to be reluctant to make significant operational changes that directly address their environmental impact.

They have been maintaining a relatively strong on-time performance record, exceeding 90% on European routes. This is an important factor for frequent flyers, especially business travelers, who need reliability and punctuality. It seems they are outperforming some of their competitors in this area, at least for now.

KLM’s core focus has been on short-haul flights within Europe. This has allowed them to effectively challenge the low-cost carriers that have come to dominate the region. They have a long-standing brand and reputation, which helps them stand out from the crowd. They appear to be successful in balancing their legacy carrier position with the expectations of modern travelers. This successful balance is likely to be important for KLM's continued success.

European Airlines Gain Ground Analyzing Turkish Airlines, Air France, and KLM's Rise in 2024 Skytrax Top 10 - European Legacy Carriers Add 150 New Routes Between Major Cities

Major European legacy airlines are expanding their reach with the addition of 150 new routes connecting key cities across the continent. This growth signifies a push back against the dominance of budget airlines, which have carved a significant niche in recent years. Iberia is leading the pack with a remarkable capacity increase, surpassing its pre-2019 levels by 3%. British Airways has also shown a strong recovery, nearing pre-pandemic levels. Meanwhile, Air France and SAS are steadily regaining ground, although they're still a bit behind their 2019 levels.

The expansion efforts, however, are not without hurdles. Legacy carriers continue to grapple with historically high fuel costs, which impact profitability. The competition from budget airlines also poses a serious challenge. These low-cost players have expanded their share of the European market aggressively, making it harder for the legacy carriers to increase revenue and profit.

It's a dynamic landscape for the traditional carriers. The coming years will reveal how they adapt to these pressures, particularly with respect to customer expectations and a potentially uncertain economic outlook. It's worth keeping a close eye on this competitive field, as the strategies that legacy airlines employ could have a big impact on airfares and travel options for passengers across Europe.

Across Europe, established airlines are adding a substantial 150 new flight routes, primarily targeting destinations that haven't historically had a lot of direct flight options. This expansion is a clear sign of the industry's recovery, as carriers seek to broaden their reach and attract a wider audience, potentially leading to more competitive ticket prices. The shift is particularly interesting as it takes place in a market dominated by budget airlines.

It seems airlines are getting better at managing the number of passengers on each flight. Many have exceeded 85% occupancy rates across the network, suggesting improvements in planning and potentially signaling increased profitability.

It's fascinating to see how airlines are using data and technology in new ways. KLM, for instance, is using advanced analytics for everything from pricing to managing their fleet. This shift to a data-driven approach is vital in today's extremely competitive market, and potentially allows for smarter decision-making and quicker responses to changing customer preferences.

Loyalty programs are also evolving. KLM's Flying Blue now allows members to redeem their miles for hotels, flight upgrades, and even activities at various locations. This expanded range of rewards might strengthen customer loyalty and lead to a greater propensity to choose KLM for different facets of their travel experiences.

Building new relationships with other airlines allows carriers to access a much larger number of routes. KLM has been successful in forging agreements, effectively boosting their ability to launch new routes and increase flight frequencies to destinations that they couldn't before. The resulting network expansion provides travelers with more options when planning their trips.

Turkish Airlines’ recent growth is likely to trigger a response from the large European carriers. These legacy airlines will likely counter by refining pricing and service offerings, potentially resulting in more attractive deals for travelers looking for flights within Europe.

The experience onboard the aircraft is becoming increasingly important. KLM is collaborating with chefs from different European regions to create a rotating selection of meals, attempting to cater to travelers seeking a higher quality in-flight dining experience. This pursuit of excellence potentially increases passenger satisfaction levels, creating a subtle but crucial differentiation in an otherwise competitive landscape.

KLM has dramatically increased the number of seats available on their flights in recent months, surpassing pre-2019 levels with over 114 million seats. This large-scale capacity increase could be an indicator of a broader industry trend to revitalize international air travel, making it more accessible to a larger group of travelers.

It's worth noting that KLM has been extremely successful at keeping their flights on schedule, with an on-time performance rate exceeding 90% on their European routes. This focus on on-time departures is a big plus for frequent travelers, especially for business travelers who prioritize timeliness.

Interestingly, KLM is offering some very low fares on select routes, including transcontinental trips for as little as €200 round-trip, particularly during the less busy travel times. These low prices are likely to appeal to price-sensitive travelers, particularly those who are looking to explore destinations that aren't typically on the tourist trail. It will be interesting to observe if this strategy leads to a noticeable rise in overall passenger volumes on those routes.

European Airlines Gain Ground Analyzing Turkish Airlines, Air France, and KLM's Rise in 2024 Skytrax Top 10 - Mediterranean Flight Options Expand With Turkish Airlines Southern Europe Leadership

Turkish Airlines is steadily expanding its reach across the Mediterranean, cementing its position as a leader in Southern Europe. This year, the airline is introducing new flight routes to locations like La Coruña in Spain, Nantes in France, and Katowice in Poland. This brings their total number of new routes to 17 for 2024. They've been recognized as the leading airline in the Southern European region for an impressive nine years in a row. This success is reflected in the sheer number of passengers they've transported, with over 17 million passengers relying on their services, primarily within the European market. This makes them a significant player in a market that is witnessing increasing competition from other major airlines.

Turkish Airlines' fleet has grown to include 458 aircraft, connecting them to a network of 347 destinations worldwide. However, managing this rapid expansion without affecting the quality of service could become a real test. Maintaining a consistently high standard of service, particularly as passenger numbers continue to increase, is critical. The question remains whether this expansion ultimately translates to more affordable airfare for travelers or contributes to an overall increase in air traffic congestion and potential flight delays. It will be interesting to see how this strategic shift impacts the broader European aviation market in the long term.

Turkish Airlines' recent growth in Southern Europe is quite remarkable. They've introduced numerous new routes, primarily focused on connecting major cities and expanding access to destinations that previously had limited direct flights. The airline's rapid expansion within Europe, with over 40 new routes added since 2023, underscores their intent to become a dominant player in the region. This strategy, coupled with their competitive pricing, could significantly impact the travel landscape of Southern Europe. Interestingly, many of their new routes are to secondary airports, opening up more travel options within the region for those who might not want to travel to major hubs like Madrid, Paris or Rome.

It's interesting that Turkish Airlines is offering quite affordable fares for many of their Southern European routes. If you book ahead, a round-trip ticket from Istanbul can be obtained for as little as €100. This strategy seems to be a clear attempt to capture a larger share of the budget-conscious traveler market. However, a key aspect of their expansion strategy is the increasing use of flexible fare options that cater to passengers' changing travel plans. This move might help improve customer loyalty and satisfaction since it removes the financial uncertainty that comes with unexpected changes.

Istanbul Airport is also benefitting from the airline's expansion. It's seen a nearly 25% increase in passengers compared to the previous year, underlining its evolution as one of Europe's key aviation hubs. That growth naturally aligns with Turkish Airlines' expanded operations and network. The connectivity improvements within the region are also evident in the airline's efforts to upgrade inflight internet access. Free Wi-Fi is now available on a significant portion of their fleet. This move is a good example of the airline adapting to the increasing customer demand for connectivity while simultaneously enhancing their ability to compete effectively with low-cost carriers.

It's notable that Turkish Airlines' Miles&Smiles program has been gaining traction recently, with the airline forging new partnerships with hotels within Southern Europe. This allows program members to use their accumulated points for hotel stays and further bolsters the program's appeal for frequent travelers. Further indicating their interest in capturing leisure travellers, Turkish Airlines has targeted popular summer destinations like Mallorca and Santorini. In just a year, ticket sales to these locations have seen a remarkable 40% increase. This suggests that the airline is adept at adapting to seasonal travel demands and recognizing the specific trends in vacationing.


The airline has made operational improvements too. They've successfully decreased flight cancellations over the last year, a feat likely achieved through the use of sophisticated analytics to better manage scheduling and aircraft allocation. It's a crucial metric in maintaining customer trust and demonstrates a move towards efficiency. Furthermore, they've partnered with renowned chefs to improve the dining experience onboard their flights, offering regionally inspired menus. While it's a small element, the emphasis on creating a more sophisticated culinary experience could distinguish them in a crowded market and provide a point of differentiation for passengers.


Whether the approach will succeed remains to be seen. Successfully juggling rapid expansion with a commitment to service quality and managing the associated operational complexities will be a significant challenge going forward. The airline has shown its dedication to growth, particularly within the Southern European travel market. However, in the future, it will be important to track how they manage to balance their expansion plans with ensuring that passengers enjoy a positive and seamless travel experience.

European Airlines Gain Ground Analyzing Turkish Airlines, Air France, and KLM's Rise in 2024 Skytrax Top 10 - European Airlines See Record Growth With 350 Aircraft Deliveries Expected

European airlines are expecting a significant surge in growth in 2024, with an anticipated 350 new aircraft deliveries. This substantial increase in aircraft signifies a considerable investment in expanding their operations and improving efficiency as passenger demand continues to climb. Low-cost carriers like Ryanair and Turkish Airlines have been particularly successful, exceeding their pre-pandemic capacity levels. However, this expansion isn't without its challenges. Alongside the benefits of greater capacity, airlines are faced with increased operational costs and a need to ensure that service quality remains consistent, especially with rising passenger numbers. Larger airlines, like Air France and KLM, are responding to these developments with a series of strategic moves to remain competitive in the European market, and it will be interesting to see how the evolving landscape reshapes travel options in Europe.

European airlines are experiencing a surge in growth, with projections indicating a substantial increase in the number of aircraft added to their fleets throughout 2024. The estimated 350 new aircraft deliveries represent a significant development, likely influencing the competitive landscape among carriers and potentially impacting travel options and fares across the continent. It will be interesting to see if this ultimately translates to a more diverse mix of travel options and possibly more affordable fares for passengers.

There's a noticeable shift in strategies, with various airlines focusing on developing secondary airports as a core component of their expansion plans. This approach, in addition to increasing capacity, might relieve congestion at already busy international hubs while simultaneously opening up a wider variety of destinations for travelers, particularly those who are exploring regions that haven't been major tourist destinations in the past. It's a move that could potentially benefit both the airlines and travelers, potentially leading to more competitive ticket prices and greater access to previously less connected regions.

Occupancy rates, a crucial indicator of airline profitability, are at a high. Across the board, the vast majority of European carriers have reported load factors above 85%. This means that their flights are consistently full, demonstrating effective capacity management. Maintaining or improving these rates remains a vital challenge, since they directly correlate with revenue and ultimately profits.

The traditional rivalry between full-service airlines and low-cost carriers is further intensifying with major airlines adding 150 new routes across the continent. While this expansion hints at an attempt to gain more market share, it could also lead to greater fare competition, and ultimately potentially greater benefits for passengers in the form of cheaper tickets, a welcome development especially in the current economic environment.

Several airlines, notably KLM, have invested significantly in sophisticated data analytics for informed decision-making. They're using it for tasks like pricing models and fleet management. This focus on big data, in my opinion, is critical in an increasingly competitive market. It gives them more agility to react to changing demands, adjust to emerging market trends and ideally help them to fine-tune pricing and operations for better financial performance.

A focus on enriching the travel experience, particularly within the passenger cabin, is gaining traction. Many carriers are refining their service offerings, particularly in the area of onboard dining, with an emphasis on regional culinary options. These efforts aim to boost customer satisfaction but more importantly potentially differentiate them from their competitors in the marketplace. It's a trend to keep an eye on as it has the potential to attract more premium travelers and shape the perception of each airline in a competitive market.

The impact of price sensitivity in the air travel market is readily apparent. Some airlines have lowered prices on certain routes, including transatlantic flights, to as low as €200 for a roundtrip. This strategy has appeal for those on a budget and might stimulate demand among travelers who are considering flights to those destinations. It remains to be seen whether the cost of running the flights at that price point will be a feasible option in the long-term, but it will likely influence pricing trends in European air travel markets.


Airlines are innovating their loyalty programs as a customer retention strategy. The range of options for redeeming points is expanding, including rewards like hotel stays and various travel experiences. This enhanced versatility could potentially foster stronger bonds between airlines and frequent travelers, leading to increased customer loyalty.


Maintaining reliable service remains a key objective. Airlines are striving to improve operational efficiency and decrease flight cancellations through a combination of enhanced scheduling practices and the intelligent application of analytics. This emphasis on smooth operations and minimizing disruptions is vital for maintaining customer trust and building a positive reputation, which becomes ever more important with growing passenger numbers.

Turkish Airlines, with its substantial global network expansion, has also highlighted the growing importance of greater interconnectedness between destinations. Their strategy of expanding gateways to lesser-traveled locations reflects emerging trends in air travel. This will certainly impact travel choices and how passengers consider routes in Europe, leading to possible shifts in travel planning and itinerary selection.