A STUDY ON PASSENGERS PERCEPTION TOWARDS AIRLINES SERVICES IN TIRUCHIRAPALLI

The world has turned into a global village, it has become easier for people, living in extreme corners of the world, to connect to their loved ones as well as increase their business network, without much of a hassle. Thanks to the booming civil aviation industry-it has helped people travel to the nook and corners of the world, within just few hours. AS a part of this global village, India is also witnessing a steep increase in the number of passengers, traveling to and from the country, via air. The prominent international airlines have been carrying on the operation in India mainly because of the fact that they attract people in India, largely the business and leisure travelers. Domestic airline within India remained stagnant over many decades. Deep-rooted bureaucratic policies constrained any development and the state monopolized all domestic aviation decisions. However, a strengthening economy coupled with an increasing number of wealthy inhabitants has triggered change with demand for air transport outstripping capacity. In response the government grasped aviation reform following a ministerial report that provided a road map as the way forward for India's domestic airlines policies. The voluminous orders for aircraft to further develop economic activity by loosening regulatory barriers. The survey captured the perceptions of passengers who are now travelling in this rapidly changing environment of freer and more competitive markets. India's first low cost carrier, Air India has changed the competitive landscape within India. The surveyresults confirm the hypothesis that their exists two distinct markets, one comprising those passengers who choose a full service airline and the other those that select a low cost carrier.