Analyzing the moderating effects of respondent type and experience on the fuel efficiency improvement in air transport using structural equation modeling

IntroductionThe limited nature of oil, and hence aviation fuel is increasingly becoming a restraining factor for the air transport industry. Also, fuel efficiency is crucial for commercial air transport as fuel is one of the most costly operating parameters for an airline.MethodologyThis study employs structural equation modelling (SEM) approach to identify key dimensions influencing fuel efficiency in air transport (FEAT) and to explore the correlational relationships among constructs from the perspectives of fuel efficiency improvement. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data from 375 aviation experts. Correlation, multi-group moderation analysis, and interaction using structural equation model were used to analyses these data.ResultsThe results and applications of SEM evolve a variety of findings; aircraft technology & design, aviation operations infrastructure, socioeconomic & political measures, and alternative fuels & fuel properties, and aviation infrastructure are proved to be the five key influential dimensions affecting the fuel efficiency and have a positive effect on the FEAT. In addition, the moderating effect of industry type and experience were established. The results also showed that no significant interaction effect between dimensions of FEAT.ConclusionsThe findings of this research can provide air transport valuable information for designing appropriate strategy for fuel efficiency improvement.

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