Investigating International passengers’ Characteristics and Choice Behavior in a Low- Frequency Market

摘要

Understanding passenger's characteristics and preferences have become a crucial issue for airlines' and airports' managers. Although many researches have been done regarding to the characteristics of markets located in North America or Europe, little has been carried out investigating other markets. This study centres on a survey of travellers in Tehran, Iran, a lowfrequency air travel market. There is an important issue that is whether the insight gained in studies, which focussed on preferences in mature markets with relatively high per-capita rates of air travel activity, applies to markets with low frequencies of airline patronage. The survey included asking several questions about passengers stated preferences. Passengers' choice of airline asked using questions dealing with their revealed decision making, as well. Comparing the travel frequency of the travellers in our market with that of passengers in mature markets confirm the lower rate of travel per capita in the market. Finally the estimated choice models shows the decision making pattern in passengers' mind.