The mobility of men and materials by air from one place to other destination is termed as air transport. It is the fastest means of transport, and it is widely used by the Indian today in domestic scenario. It is widely used for long distances, and it reduces the travelling time. The Air Transport Corporation Act was passed in Parliament in the year 1953, under which the Indian Airlines Corporation was planned to run domestic airline services, and Air India is one which was doing the international services. The International Airport Authority of India (IAAI) was established in the year 1972, and in the year 1986, the National Airport Authority of India (NAAI) was installed. The civil aerodromes are protected and maintained by The Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Government has been following the policy of open skies after the implementation of economic reforms, and private airlines entered into the field of civil aviation to implement the airlines.
ADVANTAGES OF AIR TRANSPORT
The following are the main advantages:
1. High Speed It is a fast speed means of transport. Passengers and goods can be transported easily from one place to another.
2. Minimum Cost Air transport doesn’t want any roads and bridges like we have in road transport and railways. The government need not spend much money on maintenance also. Only thing they have to do is construction of airports.
3. Strategic Importance An airway has great strategic importance. It can be used for internal and external security.
4. Easy to carry light and heavy goods It is well suitable to send costly, breakable, light and easily perishable goods with the help of air transport.
5. Free from physical barriers Air transport is free from physical barriers like the river, mountains, and valleys, etc.
6. Useful for Agriculture Through the air transport the aerial spray could be done to protect the farm from pests and insects which cause harm to crops.
7. Useful in natural calamities During the natural calamities like earthquakes, Landslides, Drought, floods, accidents and famine for the rescue operations air transport is used by the rescue team.
DISADVANTAGES OF AIR TRANSPORT
The following are the disadvantages of air transport:
1. High Costs Air transport is a costly service. Its operational costs are too high. The middle class and poor people cannot afford to spend for it.
2. More Risks Air transport is inclined to mishaps. A little oversight can be perilous for travelers. The seizing of planes is effectively conceivable.
3. Huge Investments For making flying offices, immense ventures are required. The expense of planes, development, and support of aerodromes and control instrument need capital use.1
For citing this article, use:
- Kalpana, G. (2019). Operational performance and passenger satisfaction Of international airlines.
