Key drivers of passenger loyalty: A case of Frankfurt–Istanbul flights

This study aims to analyze the effects of factors such as image, satisfaction, price, and service quality on passenger loyalty toward full-service network carriers and low-cost carriers. A structural equation modeling approach was applied to identify the factors that significantly affect passenger loyalty. Using LISREL, data were collected from 237 passengers in face-to-face interviews in the baggage claim area of international arrivals at Ataturk International Airport in Turkey who traveled from Frankfurt to Istanbul and were used to test the proposed model. One hundred seventy-five out of these 237 questionnaires were considered as valid. The results indicate that 71% of the passenger loyalty is explained by image and image is explained by satisfaction. In addition, service quality and price are found to have positive effects on satisfaction. Compared with price, service quality is found to be a stronger determinant of satisfaction. This study concludes with the recommendations for managers and possible future research.     

Exploring the green image of airlines: Passenger perceptions and airline choice

During the last few years there has been an increasing trend for companies to market their products or services as green or environmentally friendly as part of their corporate social responsibility. Few studies have analyzed the effects of this recent focus on the environment and its impact on airline passengers. Therefore, we examine passengers' general attitudes towards the green image of different airlines, perceived differences in eco-friendliness among these airlines, and effects on airline choice during booking. We also investigate how passengers' recent experiences with an airline affect perceived eco-friendliness of that airline. In addition we compare passenger ratings of airline eco-friendliness to those published by independent 3rd parties. Our findings show that the green image of airlines does influence airline choice during booking. We observed a passenger willingness to pay extra for a green image, however, not as much as their willingness to pay extra for amenities, such as additional legroom.     

Eco-positioning of airlines: Perception versus actual performance

To date there has been little research in air transport into the eco-positioning of airlines, that is, their environmental image relative to other airlines and how actual environmental performance relates to this eco-positioning. This paper identifies the environmental perceptions that passengers hold of twelve airlines and relates these perceptions to airlines' actual environmental performance, using load factors, aircraft age and the atmosfair Airline index as proxies for environmental performance. Based on a survey of over 600 passengers at Liverpool John Lennon Airport, the research analyses air travellers' perception of airlines from an environmental perspective. The results show that while there are significant differences in people's environmental perception of airlines, the eco-positioning of the airlines is not correlated to their actual environmental performance. The results support previous research findings in other industries that in many cases actual performance is less important than communicating environmental messages to the public in creating a superior eco-positioning.     

Stochastic seat allocation models for passenger rail transportation under customer choice

We study the seat allocation problem for passenger rail revenue management, in which a rail operator attempts to determine the optimal quantity of seats to be allocated to each cabin class for each train service. We formulate the problem with single-stage and multi-stage decisions as two stochastic programming models that incorporate passengers’ choice behavior. We transform the stochastic models into equivalent deterministic mathematical programs that are easy to solve. Then, we form a variety of seat allocation polices from the optimal solutions to the seat allocation models. A number of simulation tests are offered to test the policies.     

The impact of Air Service Agreement liberalisation: The case of Nigeria

The positive impact of air transport liberalisation as suggested by economic theories and empirical studies has inspired many developing countries like Nigeria to liberalise some of its Air Service Agreements (ASAs). This paper seeks to examine the extent to which international air service liberalisation has impacted upon Nigeria ten years after it was introduced. The research developed a cross-sectional model with passenger traffic as the dependent variable, while macroeconomic factors (trade and GDP), historical links, distance and ASAs (a proxy for liberalisation) served as independent or predictor variables. The analysis revealed a set of ASA stages in the country's policy-making process (restricted Bilateral Air Service Agreement, Open Skies Agreement and Yamoussoukro Declaration). Further analysis showed that the predictor variables were all significant in explaining passenger demand. The model demonstrated that the liberalisation of market access to the Open Skies Agreement level could stimulate traffic growth by at least 65 percent. The findings can assist in guiding policy and industry stakeholders in future decisions relating to liberalisation and ASAs.     

The distinction between commercial and non-commercial bus services in Germany: Given by nature?

German public transport services by bus are characterized by a regulatory framework that distinguishes between commercial and non-commercial services. Contrary to the apparent views of legislators, this paper shows that costs and revenues are not the only parameters determining whether or not operators are able to provide services in a commercially viable way.Apart from the local characteristics of the specific service, we show that the classification of services as commercial versus non-commercial is determined in large part by the public transport authorities that set minimum quality standards to be provided by operators. Our analysis shows that the authorities awarding the contracts in some cases affect market organization significantly depending on how they make use of this power. Furthermore, market organization differs substantially with respect to the awarding structure and the contractual relationships, thus creating a challenge for operators and authorities in an embryonic market.     

Assessment of transport quality of life as an alternative transport appraisal technique

In the United Kingdom the New Approach to Transport Appraisal (NATA) is used to appraise the economic, environmental and social impacts of transport projects. This analytical tool has recently been updated, but still fails to fully evaluate individual’s experiences of transport. It is important to understand more about passengers current journey quality for an informed judgement on the impact of future schemes. This paper presents findings of a methodological tool that can appraise Transport quality of life (TQoL) on all modes of transport in one city. Quality of life (QoL) techniques were applied to the transport networks of Glasgow and Manchester to determine if this is a valuable alternative in transport appraisal. Effective assessment confirmed the validity of the method highlighting in both locations that fixed modes, particularly Light Rapid Transport, are providing a significantly better quality of life compared to the bus.     

综合运输通道内旅客运输方式替代性分析

为了定量分析区域综合运输通道内旅客运输方式的替代性,从运输产品的经济性、快速性、方便性、安全性、舒适性5个特性入手,利用集对分析原理建立替代性模型,按照效益型产品特性和成本型产品特性,经过多因素综合处理后,将联系度转化为替代度,分别表示运输方式间可替代程度、不可替代程度和不能确定程度。最后,通过算例分析模型的应用。     

Low-fare flights across the Atlantic: Impact of low-cost,long-haul trans-Atlantic flights on passenger choice of Carrier

The purpose of this paper is to gain insights into low-cost, long-haul (LCLH) and full-service carrier (FSC) passenger preferences in the trans-Atlantic market. A total of 1412 economy and premium economy passengers were surveyed at Los Angeles and Seattle-Tacoma International Airports. The underlying factors comprised of passenger travel attributes were: Operations, Comfort, Onboarding, Service, and Flight Schedule, along with a variable, Airfare. Satisfaction with Airfare (#1 priority) and Comfort (#2 priority) impacted choice of LCLH carrier, whereas satisfaction with Service (#3 priority) and Flight Schedule (#4 priority) impacted choice of FSC. Both carrier types have a place in the trans-Atlantic market, although passenger loyalty was stronger for an all-inclusive FSC offering (76%) than a no frills LCLH offering (55%).     

Determining the predictors for ease of sleep while on aircraft: Regression and qualitative analyses

BackgroundFactors predicting passengers’ ability to fall asleep and levels of sleep anxiety, while traveling on a commercial flight, are investigated through a two-study mixed design.MethodsData collected from approximately 400 participants contributed to the development and validation of multiple regression equations and model fit analysis; and participants responded to related open-ended questions.ResultsRegression equations yielded between two to seven predictors and predicted between 6.7% and 27.7% of the variance, ps < .001. Model fit was strong in all cases. An inductive qualitative approach provided detailed insight into passengers’ concerns and barriers over sleeping on a commercial flight.DiscussionAs the field of commercial aviation continues growing, researching and understanding passengers' experiences and perceptions is crucial to the success of the industry as consumers ultimately drive the market. Passengers’ perceptions of sleep quality on commercial aircraft is a key factor influencing their traveling decision. Therefore, a better understanding of this phenomenon can provide crucial information to future passengers, airline companies, regulatory agencies, and manufacturers, potentially influencing the future success of the aviation industry.