Question

Air Transport? Advantages and Limitations?

Answer 1

Introduction: -This is the fastest mode of transport. It carries goods and passengers through airways by using different aircrafts like passenger aircraft, cargo aircraft, helicopters, etc. besides passengers it carries goods that are less bulky or high value. In hilly and mountainous areas where other mode of transport is not accessible, air transport is an important as well as convenient mode. It is mostly used for transporting goods and passengers during natural calamities like earthquake and flood, etc.

During war, air transport plays an important role in carrying soldiers as well as supplies to the required areas. Air transport may be classified as domestic and international air transport. Air transport is carried out in fixed air routes, which connect almost all the countries.

Rapid economic growth in India has made air travel more affordable. Air India, India's flag carrier, presently operates a fleet of 159 aircraft and plays a major role in connecting India with the rest of the world. Several other foreign airlines connect Indian cities with other major cities across the globe.

Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai is currently India's busiest airport in terms of passenger traffic.

Pawan Hans Helicopters Limited is a public sector company that provides helicopter services to ONGC to its off-shore locations. There are 40 heliports in India.

India also has the world's highest helipad at the Siachen Glacier a height of 6400 metre (21,000 ft) above mean sea level.

Advantages of Air Transport: -Air transport has the following advantages

1. It is the fastest mode of transport.
2. It is very useful in transporting goods and passengers to the area, which are not accessible by any other means.
3. It is the most convenient mode of transport during natural calamities.
4. It provides vital support to the national security and defense.
5. It is less polluting as compared to road transport

Limitation of Air Transport: -Air transport has the following limitations.

1. It is relatively more expensive mode of transport.
2. It is not suitable for transporting heavy and bulky goods.
3. It is affected by adverse weather conditions.
4. It is not suitable for short distance travel.
5. In case of accidents, it results in heavy losses of goods, property and life.