| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1031046 | Journal of Air Transport Management | 2012 | 5 Pages |
This paper examines helicopter transfer services to reach attractive and not very accessible tourist areas, taking Sicily and its minor islands, in the South of Italy, as a case study. We investigate the viability of helicopter scheduled services for tourists moving from/to airports or doing one day tours to visit far away places. The mode choice of tourists is simulated using random utility models employing stated preference data. Heli-shuttle service is planned in terms of fleet size, frequency, fare and location pattern of heliports. The paper also analyses how a public subsidy reducing fares might change the set of feasible connections.
► Helicopters capture a market share of 5–20% of tourist travel. ► Heli-shuttle services are profitable for short flights of 50–100 km and 30–40 users a day. ► Helicopter links from/to the major regional airports attract up to 200–400 users a day.
