According to a recent survey, travelers expect a high level of comfort on flights. While the frequency of flights may decline due to the economic crisis, the expectations in regards to comfort stay. Travelers expect airlines to take measures with clear environmental implications. One thousand Germans were surveyed on the topic in February 2009.
Finnair commissioned Swedish marketing agency United Minds to conduct a survey on the impact of the economic situation on consumers. The results show that 58.7 percent of German air passengers consider spacious seats and adequate legroom on board very important, with 48.8 percent considering reasonable times of departure and arrival to be very important, also.
Both, leisure and business travelers stated that these are the services they would most likely pay special fees for.
The survey shows that travelers value travel itself more than additional services during their journey. Less than five percent of respondents rated the opportunity for shopping as very important. More than 40 percent stated that shopping in-flight and at the airport is of no importance to them.
Clear environmental commitment appreciated
The survey further examined the travelers’ attitude towards environmental pollution from air travel. German respondents appeared to appreciate the value of environmentally conscious measures introduced by airlines. 86.3 percent consider flying an airline that utilizes a state-of-the-art fleet to be very or somewhat environmentally friendly behavior. Kati Ihamäki, environmental officer at Finnair, confirmed this point of view:
“The dangers of carbon emissions are quite real in many areas. Airlines across the world are aiming to concentrate their efforts in this regard, and Finnair plays its part by investing in a state-of-the-art fleet. Finnair’s fleet has an average age of five years, and the introduction of the fuel-efficient Airbus A350 XWB (for extra wide body) will cut emission rates by a striking 31 percent,” she added.
About the survey: The survey was conducted in Germany, Sweden, Norway and Great Britain during the period from February 2 to 11, 2009. 1000 people of 18 to 80 years were surveyed in each country.
