(a) Highlight five advantages that air transport has over other means of transportation (b) Explain five problems limiting air transportation in your countr...

Answer Details

(a) Five advantages of air transport over other means

• Speed - it is by far the fastest means of transport, covering long distances in the shortest time.
• Reaches inaccessible areas - it can serve places cut off by mountains, forests, swamps, deserts and seas where roads and rail cannot go.
• No need for a continuous track - it requires only airports at each end, not a costly route over the whole distance.
• Ideal for perishable and urgent goods - flowers, fresh fish, medicines and mail arrive quickly before they spoil.
• Comfort and convenience for long-distance passengers, and great value in emergencies such as rescue and relief operations.
• It crosses international boundaries easily, promoting world trade and tourism.

(b) Five problems limiting air transportation (Nigeria taken as the country)

• High cost - buying, fuelling and maintaining aircraft and building airports is very expensive, and fares are high.
• Shortage of skilled personnel such as pilots, engineers and air-traffic controllers.
• Poor and ageing equipment - outdated aircraft, navigational aids and airport facilities cause delays and accidents.
• Unfavourable weather - harmattan haze, fog and heavy rainstorms disrupt flights.
• Small carrying capacity - it cannot move bulky and heavy goods economically.
• Inadequate funding, poor maintenance culture and security concerns.