Scheduled annual ASMs went up from 300 billion in 1978 to more than 700 billion by 2000. (Tam; Hansman, 2003)

Of late, the close association between economic growth and the demand for air traffic travel also led to unprecedented traffic loads and profits for the airline industry during the economic growth cycle during the later part of 1990s. The rise in the airline industry following deregulation and the average decline in prices has also resulted in a change in air travel dynamics. According to the survey data on long-distance travel, there was a rapid rise in the reported number of long distance trips by air. Whereas overall long distance air travel has risen, the ratio of work to non-work visits has also undergone a change. During 1972, below 40% of travels were undertaken for non-work associated reasons, but this had risen to 70% by 1990. The surge in the quantum...
[ View Full Essay]