Key Drivers for Same-day Return Airline Choice of Business Travellers: A South African Community Airport Perspective

Abstract

Time is money; therefore, it is important to understand which factors are most import for business travellers when choosing same day flights. The data was obtained from 101 business travellers that travel between a community airport to larger, but also other community airports in South Africa. This article presents the results of the key drivers for same-day return airline choice for business travellers. Safety record, on-time departure and convenience were ranked first to third, staff and on-line seat selection were ranked the lowest of the drivers. Insights into the nuances of each of these drivers are provided. The research indicated that there are differences in drivers for decision making between gender business travellers. Recommendations are made to current and prospective airlines that wish to increase their amount of business travelers on these specific routes. This study is unique as it provides insights on same day return flights for business travellers which is a under research area in travel and travel related issues.