ARE COMMUNITY AIRPORTS MATURE ENOUGH FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF MARKET MECHANISMS CONCERNING THE AIRPORT SLOT ALLOCATION? A SURVEY IN THE GREEK INDUSTRY

摘要

The fast growth of the aviation industry over the last decade as shown by the continuous increase in passenger traffic and the constant emergence of new regional carriers and lowcost carriers operating mainly small aircraft have generated such a demand which often exceeds the airport capacity which is scarce, leading thus to a “capacity crunch” which risks jeopardizing the safety, efficiency and competitiveness of those participating in the air transport supply chain. Consequently, an economically sustainable, globally compatible and fair airport slot allocation is crucial for the future of the industry. Therefore, appropriate consultation of all related interested parties is required; hence, the paper uses: i) a questionnaire to collect suitable primary data among the stakeholders in the Greek air transport industry and b) in-depth interviews with experts in the field, as research instruments for qualitative analysis. This paper also aims to assist discussion on the proposal for the possible introduction of commercial market mechanisms at Community airports such as secondary trading for slot allocation. The results of the survey will provide a feedback about the stakeholders' views regarding the operation of the EC Regulation 793/2004 three and a half years after its entry into force and will be of particular usefulness to transport policymakers in Greece and the EU, the airlines as well as the passengers who may eventually benefit from the pressure exerted on air carriers about the way they manage their slots.