Stated preference analysis of a new micro jet on demand air service

This paper introduces a new on-demand air service (ODAS) for intercity transportation and develops traveler behavior models to predict the probability of individuals switching from the usual preferred mode of intercity transportation to the new ODAS under a rage of plausible scenarios in terms of travel distance, and cost. Several on-site stated preference (SP) surveys are conducted across Indiana, Illinois and Florida, and logit models are developed using the survey data. The study attempts to provide directions for operational/business strategies in the private sector (both for aircraft manufactures and the ODAS operators) and for policy-making in the public sector, and to understand the potential barriers to the evolution of ODAS as a legitimate intercity travel option. The behavior models developed in this study also provide inputs to an agent-based model that predicts the evolution of the future national transportation system. The results show the potential of the new ODAS of impacting the current national transportation system. Service fare, travel distance and accessibility are found to be the major factors influencing individual switching decisions. There is a clear preference for the ODAS, but service fare needs to be carefully determined in order to achieve the desired share. In addition, it was found that as distance increases, individuals are more likely to switch to the new ODAS given that it is perceived as a more flexible, comfortable and/or convenient mode when compared to auto or scheduled commercial air service.