Turkish Airlines recently released its Aviation Trends India 2017 survey in association with Nielson. The survey revealed the evolving demands of passengers for better experiences during mid to long-haul flights. Conducted online, the survey interviewed respondents to understand their likes and dislikes in the Before Flight, During Flight and After Flight phases of the journey.

The survey also reflected the growing acceptance of airline travel as a preferred mode of travel in India due to the growth of the sector with increased options in the form of airlines, routes and benefits. Fifty per cent of the respondents preferred air-travel versus other forms of transport. Ninety-nine per cent of the respondents to the survey also expressed a willingness to take a long-haul flight in the next two years. Business class travel also saw a rise with 44 per cent of the respondents travelling business class in the past two years.

The respondents also shared a ‘wishlist’ of services and amenities that they would like to see in mid to long-haul flights in the future. Free and fast internet access and increased seat comfort ranked the highest in the wishlist. A significantly higher percentage of business and first-class travellers expressed a need for child care on board and an area for network generation, compared to economy and premium economy travellers.

Sharing his views on the survey and its outcomes, general manager, Northern & Eastern India, Turkish Airlines Inc., Ozer Guler said, “The Indian civil aviation sector is on an undeniable growth trajectory. Favourable government policies, economic growth, an upwardly mobile middle-class and competitive air fares have given a rise to a willingness for people to adopt air travel as a preferred mode of transport in India. As such, their expectations and demands for services and amenities have significantly evolved. The Turkish Airlines Aviation Trends Survey 2017 gives us a glimpse into this changing landscape and allows us to better address our customers’ demands and needs.”

The key findings of the survey suggest a good safety record (98 per cent) and the good reputation of an airline are given paramount importance while booking a mid or long-haul flight. Good services on board in economy class, flexibility on luggage allowance and option of checking in at