99% Nigerians cautious about safety –Study

A study by Forsa Institute for Social Research and Statistical Analysis, a leading German market research and opinion polling company, has revealed that 99 per cent of Nigerian air travellers are cautious about the safety standard of airlines when booking a mid or long-haul flight.

The report, which is well founded, gave an insight into the wishes of air travellers in Nigeria based on 2015 Aviation Trends and commissioned by Turkish Airlines, It also shows that first-class support- before, during and after the flight is essential for the success of any airline.

Out of people surveyed for travel behaviour in Nigeria, 42 per cent have not travelled by air at all in the last two years, 21 per cent have taken one or two flights, 19 per cent travelled by air three to four times while 17 per cent have taken flights more frequently.

Sixty one per cent of those surveyed indicated that they had travelled short-haul in the past two years, 21 per cent had taken medium-haul flights and 32 per cent chose a long-haul flight.

Interestingly, in passenger satisfaction delays, the report revealed that 25 per cent of those surveyed were not affected by delay in the past two years. Only 12 per cent of affected travellers were very satisfied or satisfied, while a significant number of 65 per cent were less satisfied or dissatisfied.

The survey further showed that 46 per cent of the airline customers will feel very safe with a two person rule in the cockpit, 35 per cent would like a member of the police or security personnel on board of the aircraft, while 65 per cent would appreciate the possibility for air traffic controllers on the ground to intervene with what is happening in the cockpit.

The study also revealed that before flying, 84 per cent of passengers book their flights themselves online and that 54 per cent of all the passengers surveyed who booked their flights online make use of comparison sites for price consideration, easy and clear selection of departure and arrival airport and flight times, additional information about the travel destination as well as integrated booking options.

An airline’s reputation is a crucial aspect, here 99 per cent of all those interviewed indicated that an airline’s safety record is important for them.

 This figure is even higher for travellers flying more frequently and 100 per cent believed that airline’s safety record is important or very important.

According to the study, 92 per cent of Nigerian travellers also appreciated established good services on board in economy class that will make them to feel comfortable. The report also touched the positions of air passengers during the flight.

Accordingly, it states that 45 per cent are opposed to the use of mobile phone on board.

The main argument against phone calls is safety with 90 per cent, followed by disturbances with only 51 per cent.

However, 43 per cent of travellers would appreciate permission to make mobile phone calls during a flight only if the fee is within their power.

Other passengers also desire a seating comfort and good entertainment. For instance, 98 per cent of the passengers want to have a friendly, attentive and accessible staff. Apart from this, 97 per cent also want a clean cabin and lavatory while 93 per cent also prefer wider seat spacing including economy class.

Similarly, 87 per cent wants a screen panel in the back of the front seat, and the percentage increased to 93 per cent, 94 per cent for those who travel frequently or long haul.

In the area of menu, airlines have to take into consideration difference among the passengers. For 82 per cent, the choice of several menu options is important.

 Also, 59 per cent would like to have a vegetarian menu, while having the choice to get meatless meals is equally important among 59 per cent to 58 per cent female and male travellers respectively.

Comfort is not only limited to food, 76 per cent of the airline passengers like the possibility to obtain additional cover and pillows when requested. Seventy two per cent air traveller wants free on-board headphones while 63 per cent of those surveyed like to have a multilingual range of newspapers and magazines to read.

This is about nine increased in comparison to the previous year. In the after flying segment, the report shows that air travellers highly cherish airline support and good services. In the cases of lost luggage, 69 per cent of those surveyed did not experience lost luggage in the last two years.