June 12, 2012

Merits And Demerits Of Air Transport Explained

What Is Air Transport ?

Air transportation refers to the process of carrying people or merchandise by aircraft such as helicopters, airplanes etc. It is fastest and safest mode of transportation. It plays crucial role in tourism, global trade and economic growth of the country. In this post we are going to discuss some major advantages and disadvantages of air transport system.

Merits Of Air Transport

Major advantages or merits of air transport can be expressed as follows:

1. Greater Speed

The most important merit of air transport is its speed. Not any other means of transport is faster than the means of air transport. It carries people or goods from one place to another within very short time.

2. Free And Short Route

Planes can fly over everywhere, whether it is hill, forest, sea or desert. No investment is needed to construct air route. Its route is also short.

3. Suitable For Perishable And Valuable Goods

The means of air transport is very useful means to transport perishable, valuable light goods, medicines etc.

4. National Defense

Air transport is very useful for national defense.

merits-demerits-air-transport
Demerits Of Air Transport System

Major disadvantages or demerits of air transport can be expressed as follows:

1. Costly

High cost is the main disadvantages or demerit of air transport system. Means of air transport is the costliest among all the means of transport. It needs investment of huge capital.

2. Limited Capacity

The capacity of airways to carry goods or passengers is limited. It can carry only certain limit of goods or people. It becomes unsuitable to transport heavy goods.

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3. Risky

Airways becomes risky to carry goods or people. There remains possibility of air crash.

4. Uncertain

Airways have no certainty and regularity. It is highly affected by weather changes. It cannot be operated in adverse weather.

Pros And Cons Of Air Transportation In Short

Pros
* It is considered fastest and safest mode of transport
* It is ideal for transporting perishable goods
* It ensures luxury and comfort
* It is accessible to remote locations
* It plays crucial role in national defense
* It promotes global trade
* It is ideal for long-distance travel

Cons
* It is more expensive than other means of transportation
* It has limited cargo capacity
* It requires huge investment, infrastructures and operational costs
* It is affected by weather changes