Air Transportation

The advantages and disadvantages of air transport.

Air transport is of recent origin in the development of transport system of a country. It is the gift of 20th century to the world. The second world ware has stimulated the growth of air transport and it has made progress in the recent years because it is the fastest way of transporting of goods. The transport of goods through airways is costly and therefore it is designated to carry costly goods of small quantity. When goods or passengers are carried by air, certain documents are issued because the carriage of Air Act, 1972 has made it obligatory. The documents issued when goods or passengers are carried are:

1. Passenger Ticket

2. Luggage Ticket

3. Air Consignment Note.

In India two nationalized airways operate which help in the conduct of air transport. These airways are the Indian Air Lines and the Air India International. The former is concerned for domestic operation whereas the later is concerned for international operation.

Advantages

The following are some of the advantages of air transport:

I. High Speed:

Air transport is the fastest mode of transport and therefore suitable carriage of goods over a long distance requiring less time. There is no substitute for air transport when the transport of goods is required urgently.

II. Quick Service:

Air transport provides comfortable, efficient and quick transport service. It is regarded as best mode of transport for transporting perishable goods.

III. No Infrastructure Investment:

Air transport does not give emphasis on construction of tracks like railways. As no capital investment in surface track is needed, it is a less costly mode of transport.

IV. Easy Access:

Air transport is regarded as the only means of transport in those areas which are not easily accessible to other modes of transport. It is therefore accessible to all areas regardless the obstruction of land.

V. No Physical Barrier:

Air transport is free from physical barriers...