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18 pages, 1441 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Airport Self-Service Technologies, Passenger Self-Concept, and Behavior: An Attributional View

by Collins Opoku Antwi, Jun Ren, Wilberforce Owusu-Ansah, Henry Kofi Mensah and Michael Osei Aboagye

Sustainability 2021, 13(6), 3134; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13063134 - 12 Mar 2021

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 6774

Abstract

Airports are rapidly deploying self-service technologies (SSTs) as a strategy to improve passenger experience by eliminating operational inefficiencies. This places some responsibility on the passengers to shape their experience. As service coproducers, passengers’ self-concepts and attributional tendencies are deemed instrumental in their consumption [...] Read more.

Airports are rapidly deploying self-service technologies (SSTs) as a strategy to improve passenger experience by eliminating operational inefficiencies. This places some responsibility on the passengers to shape their experience. As service coproducers, passengers’ self-concepts and attributional tendencies are deemed instrumental in their consumption processes. Accordingly, drawing on the tenets of attribution theory, this study explores the interaction effects of passenger self-concept (am I competent at this?) and causal inference (who is responsible for SSTs’ performance?) on SST performance and satisfaction with airport SST link. Additionally, the probable spillover effect of passenger satisfaction with SST performance on satisfaction with airport and on electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) is examined. The sample for the study consisted of 547 passengers departing from an airport in Shanghai, China. Structural equation modeling was utilized to test the study’s theoretical model. The findings indicate that airport SSTs’ performance influences passenger satisfaction with airport SSTs. The multiplicative effect of passenger self-concept (am I competent at this?) in the moderating role of passenger causal inference (who is responsible for SSTs’ performance?) in SST performance and satisfaction with SST link is demonstrated. Furthermore, the spillover effect of satisfaction with SST performance on satisfaction with airport and on electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) is illustrated. Given the current need for contactlessness, the findings proffer critical managerial and research insights. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aviation Management and Air Transport Industry)

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16 pages, 696 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Study on the Effects of Waiting Time for Airport Security Screening Service on Passengers’ Emotional Responses and Airport Image

by Mun Hwan Kim, Jin Woo Park and Yu Jin Choi

Sustainability 2020, 12(24), 10634; https://doi.org/10.3390/su122410634 - 19 Dec 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 7582

Abstract

The ultimate purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of perceived waiting time for airport security screening service had on airport image through the medium of passengers’ psychological and emotional responses. For this purpose, a survey was conducted in passengers using [...] Read more.

The ultimate purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of perceived waiting time for airport security screening service had on airport image through the medium of passengers’ psychological and emotional responses. For this purpose, a survey was conducted in passengers using Incheon International Airport and Gimpo International Airport. A total of 294 questionnaires were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Perceived waiting time was found to have statistically significant effects on wasted time, boredom, and neglect among the sub-factors for airline passengers’ psychological responses. Wasted time had a positive effect on negative emotional response and had a negative influence on acceptability. In addition, acceptability had a positive effect on airport image. The results of this study can be utilized not only as basic data for future airport security screening service research, but also have a positive impact on airport sustainability by increasing airport security and safety. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aviation Management and Air Transport Industry)

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16 pages, 1067 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Competitiveness Evaluation Methodology for Aviation Industry Sustainability Using Network DEA

by Ki Han Song, Solsaem Choi and Ik Hyun Han

Sustainability 2020, 12(24), 10323; https://doi.org/10.3390/su122410323 - 10 Dec 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2905

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to develop the methodology to assess the sustainability of the aviation industry based on network data envelopment analysis (DEA) for the assessment of the national aviation industry process productivity. The national aviation industry is classified into the [...] Read more.

The purpose of this study is to develop the methodology to assess the sustainability of the aviation industry based on network data envelopment analysis (DEA) for the assessment of the national aviation industry process productivity. The national aviation industry is classified into the front stage, corresponding to the aviation market, and the behind stage, the ecosystem of the aviation industry from which added value is created. DEA for each stage and network DEA analysis from a system perspective and a process perspective were applied by integrating the two stages. Unlike the results of national productivity assessments based on previous aviation performance, it was found that the productivity varied among countries in each stage, and that the process of creating added value had the most profound effect on the overall sustainability determination of the national aviation industry. This methodology and the results are expected to contribute toward establishing the national policy direction for aviation industry sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aviation Management and Air Transport Industry)

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18 pages, 1229 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Study on the Behavioral Change of Passengers on Sustainable Air Transport after COVID-19

by Ki-Han Song and Solsaem Choi

Sustainability 2020, 12(21), 9207; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12219207 - 5 Nov 2020

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 6891

Abstract

From the perspective of the sustainability of aviation demand, we investigated passenger perceptions with regards to whether or not Korean people will resume the use of air transport after COVID-19. Based on five factors—the prevalence of COVID-19, requirements for self-isolation, circumstances at the [...] Read more.

From the perspective of the sustainability of aviation demand, we investigated passenger perceptions with regards to whether or not Korean people will resume the use of air transport after COVID-19. Based on five factors—the prevalence of COVID-19, requirements for self-isolation, circumstances at the destination, social atmosphere with regards to overseas travel, and level of preventative measures employed in the aviation service sector—a structured questionnaire was developed using confirmatory factor analysis. Based on these, the main levels of determination per factor were derived and a structured path for the recovery of aviation demand via structural equation analysis between factors was analyzed. The five factors established above were found to have a significant impact on passenger perceptions with regards to the restart of using air transport. It was found that people may consider resuming overseas travel with air transport, prior to the development of a COVID-19 cure or vaccine, corresponding to relaxed requirements for self-isolation if there is a fall in the number of confirmed cases. In addition, it was determined that the unconditional lifting of self-isolation requirements without considerations for the hygienic conditions of the destination has limitations in how much it will lead to the resumption of air travel. We hope that this study will serve as a starting point for other studies monitoring passenger behavior in the future and that it will lead to the development of sustainable strategies for recovering aviation demand. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aviation Management and Air Transport Industry)

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15 pages, 835 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Psychological Safety in Aviation New Product Development Teams: Case Study of 737 MAX Airplane

by Michael Naor, Nicole Adler, Gavriel David Pinto and Alon Dumanis

Sustainability 2020, 12(21), 8994; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12218994 - 29 Oct 2020

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 11750

Abstract

The goal of current study is to discern the antecedents of two airplane accidents involving the Boeing MAX 737. The theory of normal accidents serves as a lens to comprehend the hazard stemming from MAX design with dissonance between two critical systems: engine [...] Read more.

The goal of current study is to discern the antecedents of two airplane accidents involving the Boeing MAX 737. The theory of normal accidents serves as a lens to comprehend the hazard stemming from MAX design with dissonance between two critical systems: engine propulsion and flight control. Cooper’s framework further delineates lack of psychological safety during prototype development from the project’s inception along six dimensions: management/supervision, safety systems, risk, work pressure, competence, and procedures/rules. The analysis indicates dearth of leadership commitment for a safety culture under time pressure and budget constraint. Our results corroborate the paramount importance of the pilot’s extensive simulator training in order to test the interaction between the innovative Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System and human behavior response time. Lessons gleaned from the study include three insights. First, the importance of meticulously testing a prototype during the new product development stage and the hazard stemming from improvisation to extend the life of outdated engineering design. Second, the necessity of regulatory authorities, such as the Federal Aviation Administration, undergoing a modernization process by invigorating their ranks with data scientists attuned to 21st century skills in big data analytics. Third, FAA should diminish the delegation of self-certified permits to manufacturers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aviation Management and Air Transport Industry)

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20 pages, 1368 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigating Factors Influencing the Behavioral Intention of Online Duty-Free Shop Users

by Yu-Jin Choi and Jin-Woo Park

Sustainability 2020, 12(17), 7108; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12177108 - 31 Aug 2020

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 4722

Abstract

Korean duty-free shops sales rank first among duty-free shops around the world (Generation Research, 2018) and have become a target of interest for academics and industry observers. In particular, attention has been focused on variables affecting the shopping behavior of this fast-growing segment [...] Read more.

Korean duty-free shops sales rank first among duty-free shops around the world (Generation Research, 2018) and have become a target of interest for academics and industry observers. In particular, attention has been focused on variables affecting the shopping behavior of this fast-growing segment of online duty-free shop users. In this research, the main variables of the technology innovation acceptance model and the target-oriented behavior model are added. Focus is placed on the decomposed theory of planned behavior, and the variables affecting the behavioral intention are identified. A survey is conducted with users of online duty-free shops (Internet, mobile) as targets, and an analysis of the structural equation model is utilized. Among the technology innovation acceptance variables, the factors affecting attitude are compatibility and perceived usefulness. It is determined that only perceived behavioral control has a significant effect on behavioral intention, which is a dependent variable of the decomposed theory of planned behavior, and the attitude and subjective norms are found to have a significant effect on both desire and behavioral intention. Thus, it is confirmed that attitude is a key variable in explaining this research model. This research has academic implications because it examines variables affecting the behavioral intention of online duty-free shop users by integrating the theory of technology innovation acceptance and the decomposed theory of planned behavior, with the addition of a desire variable. Moreover, there are practical implications in that online duty-free shop operators have provided meaningful basic data to establish differentiated marketing strategies from offline duty-free shops with the goal of expanding use. The results of this study are expected to serve as basic data for increasing the behavioral intention of online duty-free shop users and promoting the sustainable development of online duty-free shops in South Korea. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aviation Management and Air Transport Industry)

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26 pages, 303 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Analysis of the Success Factors for Passenger Boarding Enthusiasm for Low-Cost Regional Airline Routes

by Enhou Zu, Shao-Yu Liu, Bi-Min Hsu, Yu-Cheng Wang and Edwin M. Lau

Sustainability 2020, 12(16), 6600; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12166600 - 14 Aug 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2870

Abstract

Airports are important air transportation facilities, providing cargo transportation, aircraft takeoff and landing, and passenger services. Trade liberalization and globalization along with shifting economies and trading focuses have led to the rapid growth of airline and cargo transportation in Asia-Pacific regions. Therefore, Asian [...] Read more.

Airports are important air transportation facilities, providing cargo transportation, aircraft takeoff and landing, and passenger services. Trade liberalization and globalization along with shifting economies and trading focuses have led to the rapid growth of airline and cargo transportation in Asia-Pacific regions. Therefore, Asian countries are constantly expanding and improving their airport facilities. Thus, improving and measuring airline service quality has attracted significant research attention in recent years. The Chinese Government has also actively promoted low-cost tourism, although competition in low-cost carrier markets was bound to be fierce. This not only promoted tourism industries but also attracted many foreign visitors to taking low-cost carriers to China for sightseeing. With international oil prices and regional economy issues, full-service carriers face considerable operational pressure on cost and competition. This study used the fuzzy delphi and decision making trial and evaluation laboratory methods to explore and analyze key factors for passengers choosing low-cost airlines. We considered passengers using U Airlines to travel from Shanghai to Taiwan (Taoyuan, Kaohsiung Far) and investigated service quality, low-price strategies, switching costs, and boarding willingness factors. We found that boarding willingness and service quality were strongly relevant to passenger satisfaction. Service quality should be prioritized, followed by switching cost, to enhance passenger boarding willingness. Low-cost regional airlines need to prioritize improving service quality empathy and service quality responsiveness with limited resources. Performance indicators such as willingness, service quality assurance, and service quality reliability showed significant benefits for overall service performance and passenger boarding willingness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aviation Management and Air Transport Industry)

16 pages, 620 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Evaluation of Air Transport Sector Operational Efficiency in China based on a Three-Stage DEA Analysis

by Mingli Song, Guangshe Jia and Puwei Zhang

Sustainability 2020, 12(10), 4220; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12104220 - 21 May 2020

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 4620

Abstract

Air transport provides important transportation services for economic development; meanwhile, its operation requires massive resource inputs into the air transport sector (ATS). In order to ensure sustainable development of air transport industry, improve the utilization efficiency of resources, and coordinate the development of [...] Read more.

Air transport provides important transportation services for economic development; meanwhile, its operation requires massive resource inputs into the air transport sector (ATS). In order to ensure sustainable development of air transport industry, improve the utilization efficiency of resources, and coordinate the development of the ATS and the macroeconomy, the operational efficiency of the industry should be evaluated accurately. However, few studies have analyzed the operational performance of ATSs across different regions. This study therefore constructs an index system and applied a three-stage data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach, which considers various regional environmental factors and statistical noise, to evaluate regional ATS operational performance. China’s 30 provincial ATS operational efficiencies in year 2017 are empirically evaluated using the proposed model. The empirical results show that different levels of environmental factors, such as regional GDP, openness, technical markets, technological development, and consumption, pose various influences on provincial ATS operational efficiency in China. Operational performance evaluation results eliminating these environmental effects in the third stage show considerable differences with that stage 1 results. In addition, corresponding development strategy implications in different provinces and regions are put forward according to the evaluation results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aviation Management and Air Transport Industry)

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18 pages, 9772 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Vulnerability and Resilience Analysis of the Air Traffic Control Sector Network in China

by Xinglong Wang, Shangfei Miao and Junqing Tang

Sustainability 2020, 12(9), 3749; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12093749 - 6 May 2020

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4112

Abstract

Sustainability and its component resilience have become an important issue that cannot be neglected in airspace planning and development. Resilience, as an emerging system concept, is critical to sustainability in many fields. With the rapidly growing demand in China’s air transportation sector, airspace [...] Read more.

Sustainability and its component resilience have become an important issue that cannot be neglected in airspace planning and development. Resilience, as an emerging system concept, is critical to sustainability in many fields. With the rapidly growing demand in China’s air transportation sector, airspace congestion and flight delays have become a major issue in the fast development of this sector, and threatens the sustainability and resilience of air traffic control (ATC) systems such as waste of resources, air pollution, etc. Sectors, the basic units of an ATC system, play a significant role in ensuring the safe and smooth operations of day-to-day flights. In this paper, we apply the complex network theory to establish a model of China’s air sector network (CASN) and examine a series of characteristic parameters with an empirical analysis on its vulnerability and resilience. Through a simulation-based approach, the CASN’s resilience was quantitatively assessed with a resilience indicator (RI) in different scenarios to identify the optimal recovery strategy for building higher system resilience. The results show that the CASN has a lengthy average shortest path and a small clustering coefficient, which demonstrates a hybrid topological feature. We have also found that betweenness has the greatest impact on the resilience and has managerial implications to understand the relationship between vulnerability and resilience in CASN, so as to achieve the resilience and sustainability of CASN. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aviation Management and Air Transport Industry)

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Review

Jump to: Research

19 pages, 1133 KiB

Open AccessReview

Robustness of Air Transportation as Complex Networks:Systematic Review of 15 Years of Research and Outlook into the Future

by Xiaoqian Sun and Sebastian Wandelt

Sustainability 2021, 13(11), 6446; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13116446 - 6 Jun 2021

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 4438

Abstract

Air transportation systems are an important part of the critical infrastructure in our connected world. Accordingly, a better understanding and improvements in the resilience of the overall air transportation system are essential to the well-functioning of our society and overall sustainability of human [...] Read more.

Air transportation systems are an important part of the critical infrastructure in our connected world. Accordingly, a better understanding and improvements in the resilience of the overall air transportation system are essential to the well-functioning of our society and overall sustainability of human beings. In the literature, network science is increasingly used to better understand the resilience dynamics of air transportation. Given the wide application of tools for network science and the importance of designing resilient air transportation systems, a rich body of studies has emerged in recent years. This review paper synthesizes the related literature that has been published throughout the last 15 years regarding the robustness of air transportation systems. The contributions of this work consist of two major elements. The first part provides a comprehensive discussion and cross-comparison of the reported results. We cover several major topics, including node importance identification, failure versus attack profiles, recovery and improvement techniques, and networks of networks approaches. The second part of this paper complements the review of aggregated findings by elaborating on a future agenda for robust air transportation research. Our survey-style overview hopefully contributes toward a better understanding of the state of the art in this research area, and, in turn, to the improvement of future air transportation resilience and sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aviation Management and Air Transport Industry)

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