ABSTRACT
The interest and concern that air transport provokes is substantial. Air transport is the backbone of economic prosperity as it integrates the global marketplace. Over two billion people travelled by air in 2010 and air travel’s relative affordability has allowed it to become an integral part of many people’s lifestyles. Those involved in the air transport industry invariably exhibit enormous enthusiasm and dedication in the work that they do. It is particularly pleasing to begin this book with a series of thoughtful insights about recent key developments in air transport from a group of individuals who have played such a key role in shaping today’s industry. This commercial input sets the scene for the book, and their views as to the sector’s likely future evolution are especially appreciated. A small sample of the practitioners who contributed to this book includes: Willie Walsh (CEO of British Airways) who discusses the ongoing difficulties faced in the industry; Gary Kelly (CEO of Southwest) who discusses the importance of controlling costs; Alan Joyce (CEO of Qantas) who highlights the volatility of the industry; Brian Pearce (Chief Economist at IATA) who explains how the industry is so beneficial to the global economy, but profitability remains elusive; William deCota (Director for John F. Kennedy International, Newark, and LaGuardia Airports) who describes the challenges facing airports; Rigas Doganis (Professor of Air Transport) who describes how the industry remains an inherently unstable industry; while another renowned professor, Kenneth Button, pinpoints the inevitable evolution of aviation. The contributions are listed in alphabetic order using the first name of each author.
