Canadians think increasing competition in airline industry is important: report
by CM Staff
80% of respondents agree or somewhat agree that discount airlines play an important role in the Canadian air travel industry
PHOTO: WestJet
EDMONTON – A vast majority of Canadians believe a competitive airline industry is critical to the country’s economic recovery, according to a survey from Nanos Research.
The Nanos Research survey, commissioned by Flair Airlines, also found that 49% of Canadians believe providing lower-cost flights is an important or somewhat important (30%) contributor to the national interest and making Canada a stronger country.
The survey revealed a strong majority of Canadians say access to flights for under-serviced communities is important (37%) or somewhat important (41%) contributor to the national interest, while seven in ten say increasing competition across Canada in the airline industry is an important (36%) or somewhat important (34%) contributor to the national interest.
“We are pleased that Canadians see discount airlines as important contributors to the economic recovery and that they will want more options, not fewer, when they feel comfortable to travel again,” said Jim Scott, CEO of Flair Airlines, in a prepared statement.
Meanwhile, the Nanos survey showed that as the economy restarts, there is still very much a sense of trepidation as a majority of Canadians agree (44%) or somewhat agree (30%) they will be nervous about flying until there is a vaccine.
“Our customers and our staff are the reason we exist,” said Scott. “We are working hard to invest in and maintain safe operations for when confidence returns, and Canadians are ready to fly. Once we can secure the support required from the federal government, we are looking forward to flying together soon.”
Key findings include:
Canadians say they need more rather than fewer airline options
Asked whether Canada has the right number of airline carriers when COVID-19 travel restrictions are relaxed, 36% of Canadians said they need more options compared to 11% who said they need less.
Canadians say having a competitive airline industry to help the economic recovery is an important or somewhat important contributor to the national interest
More than four in five Canadians say that having a competitive airline industry to help the economic recovery is an important (47%) or somewhat important (39%) contributor to Canada’s national interest.
A majority of Canadians think that discount airlines play an important role in the Canadian air travel industry
More than eight in ten Canadians agree (47%) or somewhat agree (35%) that discount airlines play an important role in the Canadian air travel industry.
Three quarters of Canadians agree or somewhat agree they will be nervous about flying until COVID-19 vaccine is developed
Nearly three in four Canadians agree (44%) or somewhat agree (30%) they would be nervous about flying until there is a vaccine to protect them from COVID-19. Intensity of worry is stronger among older Canadians (84% agree or somewhat agree compared to 65% of Canadians aged 18 to 34).
