(a) Give three reasons why air transportation may be preferred to the other modes of transportation (b) State any three disadvantages of air transportation ...

Answer Details

(a) Three reasons why air transportation may be preferred to other modes

• Speed: it is by far the fastest means of transport, ideal for long distances and urgent goods or passengers.
• Access to difficult terrain: aircraft can cross seas, mountains, deserts, forests and swamps that road, rail and water cannot easily reach.
• Suitability for perishable and valuable goods: it moves perishable items (flowers, fish, medicines) and high-value light goods quickly before they spoil.
• Comfort and time-saving: it saves travellers' time and offers comfortable, direct long-distance travel; it is also vital in emergencies and relief operations.

(b) Three disadvantages of air transportation

• Very high cost: building airports and buying, fuelling and maintaining aircraft is expensive, so fares and freight charges are high.
• Limited carrying capacity: aircraft carry relatively small loads and cannot move bulky, heavy goods such as timber, minerals or machinery cheaply.
• Weather dependence and risk: flights are easily disrupted by fog, storms and poor visibility, and accidents, though rare, are usually fatal.
• It also requires skilled personnel and advanced technology, and needs large, specially prepared airports.

(c) How the disadvantages can be overcome

• Reduce cost through government subsidies, larger fuel-efficient aircraft and better management to lower fares.
• Improve capacity by using wide-bodied cargo aircraft for heavier loads and combining air with road/rail for bulky goods.
• Improve safety and weather handling by installing modern radar, navigation and communication equipment, regular maintenance, and training of skilled pilots and engineers.
• Provide more and better-equipped airports with all-weather runways and lighting.