If airports and airlines want to address the issue of low demand, they should tackle these other issues first.
North America saw the only decrease in passenger demand worldwide this February, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Granted, February is a down month, and things like the Lunar New Year were held in January. However, a drop in demand is not aviation’s only concern, as it could be addressed by utilizing the domino effect.
Things like...
Anxiety Due to Recent Crashes: Air travel is still the safest mode of transportation, so emphasize it. ‘The safest mode of transportation’ is like an old wives tale trotted out in times of need. The industry needs to let people know in more than just the aftermath of an accident. Perhaps an advertising campaign would help, showing the statistics compared to other forms of travel.
Lack of Air Traffic Controllers: There is strength in numbers, and we have been talking about this for several years. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been stymied by a dearth of suitable candidates and budget cuts. We find ways to fund every other program, and this should be a priority. Gambling with the flying public is not an option.
Fluctuating Airfares: We never know what to expect domestically or internationally. This is a business, and businesses change their pricing all the time. I’m not advocating a change in that strategy, but just try to be more consistent.
Bad Airport Experiences: Airports shouldn’t be Disney World, but they shouldn’t be purgatory either. The airport experience can set the tone for the whole flight. Thankfully, many airports are starting to address that issue with more high-end shopping venues and restaurants.
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