The Relationship between Air Travel Service Quality and Factors of Theory of Planned Behavior: Evidence from Low-Cost Airlines in Thailand

Despite an increased emphasis on improvement in airline service quality concerning consumer behavior, such as passenger repurchasing as a result of their behavioral intention over the last several decades, there is still much less concern with the nature of airline service quality than should exist in the so-called "logistics service quality” and less concern with examining the specific behavioral intention preceding repurchasing behavior together with the theory of planned behavior. As such, this study aims to explore these issues, along with the psychological factors of the theory of planned behavior, that can lead to repurchasing behavior via word-of-mouth intention (WOMI). With an online survey of 383 respondents experienced with flying, the results reveal that the logistics service quality and each determinant in the theory positively influence a passenger's repurchasing behavior through WOMI. Accordingly, service marketers can implement service design and apply integrated marketing communication by learning from repurchasing behavior that was formed by the given factors to retain their existing customers. Moreover, this study is the first to empirically and explicitly validate dimensions of airline services through the lens of logistics that are deemed fit with the nature of the airlines. It advances the understanding of theory approaching and connects what has hampered its advancement in a body of knowledge, simultaneously in a context of airline context where it should not be relegated to transportation and consumer and service orientation.

A Three-Stage Hybrid SEM-BN-ANN Approach for Analyzing Airport Service Quality

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has impacted the aviation industry worldwide. Several restrictions and regulations have been implemented to prevent the virus's spread and maintain airport operations. To recover the trustworthiness of air travelers in the new normality, improving airport service quality (ASQ) is necessary, ultimately increasing passenger satisfaction in airports. This research focuses on the relationship between passenger satisfaction and the ASQ dimensions of airports in Thailand. A three-stage analysis model was conducted by integrating structural equation modeling, Bayesian networks, and artificial neural networks to identify critical ASQ dimensions that highly impact overall satisfaction. The findings reveal that airport facilities, wayfinding, and security are three dominant dimensions influencing overall passenger satisfaction. This insight could help airport managers and operators recover passenger satisfaction, increase trustworthiness, and maintain the efficiency of the airports in not only this severe crisis but also in the new normality.

BIST Tourism and BIST Electricity Index Relationship

In this study, which is based on daily data, the relationship between BIST electricity index and BIST tourism index was measured between 2012:M9 – 2022:M9 periods. The aim of the study is to measure the relationship between BIST electricity index and BIST tourism index. VAR Granger causality test was applied to determine whether there is any causal relationship between the variables. It has been determined as a result of the analysis that the BIST electricity index has no effect on the BIST tourism index. Two-way ineffectiveness was determined among the variables. In addition, it was obtained as a result of the analysis that the applied correlation relationship was weak between these variables. The results obtained from the study are important in terms of measuring the effects among BIST indices.

A Faculty-Informed Framework for Responsible and Equitable Academic Travel

Introduction Academic medical faculty, who devote their lives to improving human health, are often frequent travelers. Given the significant contribution of transportation and travel activities to local and global environmental degradation, faculty must grapple with the impact of their work on patients and the public. During the COVID-19 pandemic, academicians were forced to develop innovative communication and business strategies, which also spawned new perspectives on the role of travel in academic life. We sought to learn more about these adaptations and perspectives, and to consider whether insights gained might inform a more deliberate and conscientious culture of academic travel. Materials and Methods We conducted faculty focus groups with participants from different academic levels and four different health graduate programs at an academic medical center, and inquired about motivations for and perspectives on past, present and future travel practices. Results Faculty provided extensive observations about their travel histories and how, in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, they were responding to abrupt challenges to their personal and professional responsibilities. They addressed the cognitive dissonance generated by flying frequently during a time of global warming, and they offered multiple recommendations for changes to the status quo. Conclusion Building on the rich qualitative data gathered during our focus groups, we propose a unique framework for academicians to advance the culture of travel in the 21st century. This framework proposes specific steps to mitigate planetary degradation and its associated inequities, and it suggests creative mechanisms for simultaneously enhancing the personal and professional quality of faculty life.

['Is there a doctor on board?' Reducing air travel associated with international medical conferences]

International medical conferences aim to improve health outcomes, but the associated air travel-related carbon emissions are a significant contributor to the environmental impact of medical scientific activities. The COVID-19 pandemic has urged the medical world to shift towards virtual conferences, decreasing associated carbon emissions by 94% to 99%. However, virtual conferences are still not the norm and doctors are returning to business as usual. Various stakeholders need to be mobilized to minimize carbon-intensive flights to conferences. Doctors, (academic) hospitals, conference organizers and universities all hold a responsibility to incorporate every effort to decarbonize and build climate mitigation into their decisions. These efforts include sustainable travel policies, selecting accessible venues, decentralizing host locations, encouraging low carbon alternatives to air travel, increasing virtual attendance and increasing awareness.

forward planning for the next pandemic

This paper is mainly concerned with providing a safe workplace in future pandemics which are likely to be similar to the present COVID-19 crisis. It concentrates on methods to avoid expensive future lockdowns. More advanced air conditioners are considered which exclude the effects of dangerous viruses. Such designs which have these beneficial qualities depend on adequate basic data concerning viruses. This information is vital for adequate design of engineered equipment. These requirements are also specified here. The general insufficiency of this information is also examined. The airline industry faces a particularly complicated set of problems which are treated in more extensive depth with recommendations for an acceptable new system up to 2050. Our civil airline industry is probably the most vulnerable in a future pandemic. By exploiting the nature of modern industrial development, it is recommended that the economically destructive effects of extensive lockdowns can be largely avoided in modern economies. For want of a better name (ID-LID?), the recommended system is called ID-LIP which stands for: "inherently down-lockable industrial plant”. This approach is advantageous for the Wholesale side of a nation's economy. However, because Retailing is associated closely with human sociability, which viruses also exploit, improving this commercial aspect requires different remedial methods. One of these is the more extensive use of on-line retailing. © 2022 WIT Press.

Shifting from academic air travel to sustainable research exchange: Examining networking efficacy during virtual conferences

Academic conferences are important places for exchanging scientific knowledge and building professional networks, but they also contribute to climate change through emissions caused by air travel. Hence, more sustainable conferences are needed. The unforeseen COVID-19 pandemic presented an opportunity to develop more sustainable conferences by shifting to effective virtual communication. Studies have demonstrated that virtual conferences are often more sustainable, but also more inclusive than in-person conferences, but that they – like in-person conferences – also have drawbacks. Researchers perceive ineffective networking due to a lack of social interaction as the biggest disadvantage of current virtual conferences. This study aims to examine researchers' experiences with virtual conferences by investigating the factors that influence networking efficacy during virtual conferences. To do so, 21 semi-structured interviews were conducted with virtual conference organisers and attendees from various career stages, countries and scientific fields. The input-process-output framework was used to structure the factors that participants mentioned as facilitating or constraining networking. The results demonstrate conference organisers' important role in thinking carefully about technical equipment that facilitates networking and specifically planning virtual conferences' networking sessions. This study is the first to structure factors that influence networking efficacy systematically during virtual conferences. The results of this study revealed that best practice examples of effective virtual networking exist, thus providing a starting point for the shift from academic air travel to more sustainable research exchange.

The impact of security oversight on air cargo price and demand

This paper examines the effect of security oversight on air cargo price and demand. We exploit variations in security oversight instituted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). We estimate a simultaneous equation model using proprietary operations data from a major airline in South Korea over the period 2009–2013. This study explores the shipping-charge behavior of a service provider through a modeling approach that considers air cargo security. Our findings show that security oversight increases air cargo demand, controlling for the effect of price. Improving security measures increases the air cargo price, but the magnitude of this increase is small. Our results should help policymakers gauge the benefit of improved security and help airlines design an effective model to determine future air cargo shipping charges under high uncertainty to mitigate short- and long-term financial risks.

Take-off, turbulence and turnaround

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to explore the evolving nature of the work of cabin crew in a Scandinavian carrier in three eras, drawing on theories of gender and emotional labour.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws on ethnographic data from fieldwork, interviews and documents.FindingsFrom being a feminized and temporary occupation for young, upper- and middle-class women in the 1970s, the occupation became a full-time job and with greater diversity of cabin crew. Today there are signs of the job becoming a precarious and temporary one of demanding and devalorized work in a polarized and class-divided labour market. Changing circumstances impact on the emotional labour requirement and terms and conditions at work.Research limitations/implicationsA limitation is that the research design was not initially longitudinal in the sense that the author does not have exactly the same kind of data from each era. The author has, however, been involved in this field for two decades, used multiple methods and interacted with different stakeholders and drew on a unique data material.Practical implicationsThe development in aviation is contributing to new discriminatory practices, driving employee conditions downwards and changing the job demands. This development will have practical consequences for the lives and families of cabin crew.Social implicationsThe analysis illustrates how work ‘constructs' workers and contributes in creating jobs that are not sustainable for the employees. Intensification of work, insecurity and tougher working conditions also challenge key features in the Nordic model such as proper pay, decent work and a life-long employment. Much indicates that the profession is again becoming a temporary one of demanding work with poor working conditions in a polarized and class-divided labour market.Originality/valueThe research contributes to the literature on emotional labour, gender and the evolving nature of the work of cabin crew. The unique data material, the longitudinal aspect of the research and the focus on a single network carrier are good in charting changes over time.

Estimating the number of undetected COVID-19 cases among travellers from mainland China [version 1, peer review: awaiting peer review]

Background: Since the start of the COVID-19 epidemic in late 2019, there have been more than 152 affected regions and countries with over 110,000 confirmed cases outside mainland China. Methods: We analysed COVID-19 cases among travellers from mainland China to different regions and countries, comparing the region- and country-specific rates of detected and confirmed cases per flight volume to estimate the relative sensitivity of surveillance in different regions and countries. Results: Although travel restrictions from Wuhan City and other cities across China may have reduced the absolute number of travellers to and from China, we estimated that more than two thirds (70%, 95% CI: 54% - 80%, compared to Singapore;75%, 95% CI: 66% - 82%, compared to multiple countries) of cases exported from mainland China have remained undetected. Conclusions: These undetected cases potentially resulted in multiple chains of human-to-human transmission outside mainland China.

Impact of COVID-19 restrictions on South African air transport and tourism indicators

Background: Air travel restrictions to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) impacted air travel to and from and within South Africa significantly. The duration of the pandemic was more protracted than initially expected as new variants of the pandemic (in ‘waves') resulted in additional restrictions. Objectives: To determine the nature of COVID-19-related air travel restrictions, their impact on annual passenger demand, the number of flights operated (supply of services), the related average passenger loads carried as well as on tourism indicators of the direct contribution of travel and tourism, the total contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employment. Method: The study identifies the number of passengers carried and flights operated and calculates the average passenger load per flight and trends. The impact on tourism indicators is based on the unit values of metrics published by the World Travel and Tourism Council for the 2019 calendar year, adapted for the reduction in passengers in the first and second years following the COVID-19 lockdown. Results: Significant decreases in the annual number of passengers carried, flights operated (in the three geographic areas), and their impact on tourism and employment indicators were identified. Conclusion: The decline in passengers exceeded the decrease in flights operated, which resulted in a decline in the average load of passengers carried per flight. The significance of COVID-19 restrictions on tourism indicators and employment was also calculated. Contribution: The study identifies the impact of COVID-19 air travel restrictions on both air transport and tourism indicators for South Africa.

Effects of trust in organizations and trait mindfulness on optimism and perceived stress of flight attendants during the COVID-19 pandemic

PurposeThis research adopts the conservation of resources (COR) theory to examine the effects of trust in organizations and trait mindfulness on optimism and perceived stress of flight attendants in Thailand during the COVID-19 pandemic.Design/methodology/approachOnline survey data were collected from 234 flight attendants who work for five low-cost airlines based in Thailand. The data were analyzed by using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).FindingsThe results show that trust in an organization and trait mindfulness are negatively associated with the perceived stress of flight attendants. Their associations are also partially mediated by optimism. Moreover, the moderating effect analysis reveals that trait mindfulness intensifies the positive association between trust in organizations and optimism.Originality/valueThe evidence from this research broadens COR theory by showing that different aspects of resources can be combined to strengthen the ability of individuals to gain more resources to lessen stress.

COVID-19 cases reported in Colorado following screening at selected US airports, January - July 2020.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to estimate the proportion of air travelers who may have been infected with SARS-CoV-2 upon arrival to Colorado by comparing data on Colorado residents screened upon entering the US to COVID-19 cases reported in the state. Data on Colorado's screened passengers arriving into the US between January 17 and July 30, 2020 were compared to Colorado's Electronic Disease Reporting System. We conducted a descriptive analysis of true matches, including age, gender, case status, symptom status, time from arrival to symptom onset (days), and time from arrival to specimen collection date (days). RESULTS: Fourteen confirmed COVID-19 cases in travelers who were diagnosed within 14 days after arriving in Colorado were matched to the 8,272 travelers who underwent screening at 15 designated airports with a recorded destination of Colorado, or 0.2%. Most (N = 13/14 or 93%) of these infected travelers arrived in Colorado in March 2020; 12 (86%) of them were symptomatic. Entry screening for COVID-19 and the sharing of traveler information with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment appeared to identify few cases early in the pandemic. Symptom-based entry screening and sharing of traveler information was minimally effective at decreasing travel-associated COVID-19 transmission.

An empirical analysis of American Passenger's willingness to fly in commercial airplanes after vaccination against COVID-19.

Although several studies have explored the effects of the pandemic on aviation, little remains known about whether members of the public are willing to fly again after they have been vaccinated. The current study uses the Health Belief Model (HBM) to fill this missing gap by manipulating the following variables: 1) whether or not the participant is vaccinated; 2) whether or not airlines require that all passengers and crew receive vaccinations; 3) length of flight; 4) destination; and 5) the number of passengers. The data from 678 participants revealed that willingness to fly is much higher if the participants themselves have been vaccinated, if the airlines require all passengers to be vaccinated, if the flight is short, if the destination is domestic, and if the number of passengers is low. These findings did not appear to differ as a function of flying business versus pleasure. We discuss the practical implications of these data as airlines struggle to bring back their customer base.

Ethical-decision making of ‘Flights to Nowhere' passengers in the COVID-19 and climate change era

With international travel halting as a result of the outbreak of COVID-19, several airlines sought to offer Flights to Nowhere as a way to generate revenue and keep their aircrafts flight-ready. Flights to Nowhere are sightseeing flights that start and finish at the same airport without landing elsewhere. These flights have been heavily criticized for creating unnecessary greenhouse gas emissions. This research explores the ethical decision-making process and the subsequent rationalization of taking Flights to Nowhere. Using cognitive dissonance theory and neutralization techniques, we analyse in-depth interviews with passengers that have recently taken a Flight to Nowhere. Passengers did not immediately make the connection between Flights to Nowhere and climate change but on reflection, they justified these flights using a range of neutralization techniques including an appeal to higher loyalties, denial of injury, and justification by comparison.

Can communication messages affect promotion of international air travel in preparation for the post COVID-19 pandemic era?

The purpose of this research was to identify the effects of message contents and framings that airline companies communicate with potential airline passengers during the COVID-19 pandemic to enhance behavioral intentions to engage in international air travel. A survey of 1300 respondents was conducted using the Posttest Control Group experimental design method. Several meaningful findings were generated. Among them, the "loss" message regarding cash-redeemable coupons was most effective in raising intentions to take an international flight and obtaining favorable assessments of the message contents. Covariates including income level, travel purpose, premium card ownership, perceived risk, importance of airline brand, and sanitation were significant in determining the intention to take international flights. The results of this study can help with establishing promotional strategies to foster international travel in the post-pandemic era. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)

Switching to peer-to-peer accommodation (P2PA): an extended push-pull-mooring model perspective from emerging economy

PurposeDrawing on the Push-Pull-Mooring model, this study sheds light on the factors that drive tourists to switch from traditional hotels to peer-to-peer accommodation (P2PA) in light of the global spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.Design/methodology/approachData have been collected from 380 participants through an online pan India survey. The data were mainly analyzed by adopting structural equation modeling.FindingsAll the three categories of push, pull and mooring factors are crucial in explaining tourists' switching intentions from hotels to P2PA. Out of all the factors, subjective norm came out to be the most significant factor while satiation (push factor) and authentic experiences (pull factor) also came out to be important indicators.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study carry implications for hoteliers as well as P2PA platform hosts. Hotels need to re-conceptualize their standard services, décor and amenities while P2PA hosts need to continue providing authentic experiences and also comply with all the Covid-19 norms.Originality/valueThe study offers a comprehensive PPM model to determine tourists' intentions to switch from hotels to P2PA. Moreover, this paper is one of the early studies to provide insights into tourists' switching intentions amidst Covid-19.

A novel design of a smart interactive guiding robot for busy airports

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a massive impact on the global aviation industry. As a result, the airline industry has been forced to embrace new technologies and procedures in order to provide a more secure and bio-safe travel. Currently, the role of smart technology in airport systems has expanded significantly as a result of the contemporary Industry 4.0 context. The article presents a novel construction of an intelligent mobile robot system to guide passengers to take the plane at the departure terminals at busy airports. The robot provides instructions to the customer through the interaction between the robot and the customer utilizing voice communications. The usage of the Google Cloud Speech-to-Text API combined with technical machine learning to analyze and understand the customer's requirements are deployed. In addition, we use a face detection technique based on Multi-task Cascaded Convolutional Networks (MTCNN) to predict the distance between the robot and passengers to perform the function. The robot can guide passengers to desired areas in the terminal. The results and evaluation of the implementation process are also mentioned in the article and show promise.

ACI world update

The article reports that the Airports Council International World published its twelfth quarterly assessment analyzing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, its effects on airports, and the path to recovery. Topics include considered the Advisory Bulletin is available on the ACI World Newsroom and considered with the removal of travel restrictions and quarantine requirements for vaccinated travellers in 2022, there has been an upsurge in demand across many markets.

The future of aeromobilities in the light of global disruption

The future of airports and aeromobilities looked much different before Covid-19. Being a global growth-sector with a problematic environmental impact, the sector showed little inclination to radically re-think its potential futures. However, the advent of Covid-19 dramatically changed this. This paper is based on a research project related to Airport City Futures that was initiated before Covid-19. This timing, however, has enabled us to see a dramatic change in the assessment of future scenarios. In the paper we present four basic future scenarios that include both utopian and dystopian elements (business as usual, fortress airports, Ecoports, and Smart airports). We explore these on the background of a theoretical framework containing three themes: aeromobilities, future scenarios as a methodology, and the epidemic society. The paper thus explores the future of aeromobilities and potential innovations in air space by ‘thinking with' Covid-19. It presents critical reflections on how to democratize the future of aeromobilities in light of global disruption. © 2023 The European Association for the Advancement of the Social Sciences.