TRL3703
ASSIGNMENT 3
DUE DATE: 16 MAY 2025
,Table of Contents
Introduction ...............................................................................1
1.1 Purpose of Aviation Safety and Security ............................ 1
1.2 Economic Relevance of Security Measures ....................... 2
Aviation Safety vs Aviation Security ......................................... 3
2.1 Definition of Aviation Safety ................................................ 3
2.2 Definition of Aviation Security ............................................. 3
2.3 Key Differences and Examples ........................................... 4
Media Influence on Passenger Perceptions ........................... 5
3.1 Airline Incidents and Media Coverage ............................... 5
3.2 Media’s Role in Perceptions of Airport Safety ................... 6
Economic Implications of Aviation Security ............................. 7
4.1 Regulatory Framework: ICAO Annex 17 ............................ 7
4.2 Financial Burden on Governments ..................................... 8
Direct Costs for Airlines and Airports ...................................... 9
5.1 Airline Costs: Training and Operational Adjustments ........ 9
5.2 Airport Costs: Staff, Infrastructure, and Energy ................ 10
Security and Air Cargo Operations ......................................... 11
6.1 Cargo Types and Associated Risks ................................... 11
6.2 Screening Procedures and Economic Impact .................... 11
Conclusion ................................................................................12
7.1 Summary of Key Insights .................................................... 12
7.2 Implications for Profitability and Competitiveness .............. 13
References .................................................................................... 14
1
, ASSIGNMENT QUESTIONS:
QUESTION 1
1.1: Maintaining Affordability Amongst Low-Cost Airlines in South Africa
In light of the case study and the January 2025 FlySafair overbooking incident,
maintaining affordability in South Africa’s low-cost airline sector is crucial. The following
strategies, drawn from Learning Unit 2, highlight how airlines like FlySafair can achieve
this:
▪ Increased labour productivity (3 marks)
To maintain affordability without cutting wages, low-cost carriers like FlySafair can
follow models such as Southwest Airlines by improving labour productivity. For
example, staff could be encouraged to perform multiple roles pilots assisting with cabin
clean-up or boarding, or ground staff cross-trained for various functions. This "all hands
on deck" approach increases efficiency without raising costs. In the context of FlySafair,
such practices could help the airline cut operational expenses without compromising
service quality, thereby avoiding issues like overbooking which stem from mismanaged
logistics and staff workloads.
▪ No frills (3 marks)
FlySafair and similar LCCs should continue adopting a strict no-frills approach to keep
airfares affordable. This means limiting in-flight offerings to a "buy-on-board" model e.g.,
snacks and drinks at extra cost) and removing features like complimentary meals,
multiple seat classes, or lounges. These cost-saving practices reduce operating
expenses and create additional revenue streams. As highlighted in the case study, the
issue isn’t the absence of luxury but the inconsistency in pricing some low-cost carriers
benefit from LCC regulatory advantages while charging near full-service prices.
Adopting and strictly maintaining no-frills services aligns costs with the low-cost model
and meets expectations for budget travellers.
▪ Lowering ticket distribution costs (4 marks)
FlySafair and other LCCs can lower ticket distribution costs by avoiding over-reliance on
Global Distribution Systems (GDS), which are expensive. Instead, they should promote
direct sales via user-friendly websites and mobile platforms, encouraging passengers to
book through these channels using incentives e.g., discounts or no service fees. This
2
ASSIGNMENT 3
DUE DATE: 16 MAY 2025
,Table of Contents
Introduction ...............................................................................1
1.1 Purpose of Aviation Safety and Security ............................ 1
1.2 Economic Relevance of Security Measures ....................... 2
Aviation Safety vs Aviation Security ......................................... 3
2.1 Definition of Aviation Safety ................................................ 3
2.2 Definition of Aviation Security ............................................. 3
2.3 Key Differences and Examples ........................................... 4
Media Influence on Passenger Perceptions ........................... 5
3.1 Airline Incidents and Media Coverage ............................... 5
3.2 Media’s Role in Perceptions of Airport Safety ................... 6
Economic Implications of Aviation Security ............................. 7
4.1 Regulatory Framework: ICAO Annex 17 ............................ 7
4.2 Financial Burden on Governments ..................................... 8
Direct Costs for Airlines and Airports ...................................... 9
5.1 Airline Costs: Training and Operational Adjustments ........ 9
5.2 Airport Costs: Staff, Infrastructure, and Energy ................ 10
Security and Air Cargo Operations ......................................... 11
6.1 Cargo Types and Associated Risks ................................... 11
6.2 Screening Procedures and Economic Impact .................... 11
Conclusion ................................................................................12
7.1 Summary of Key Insights .................................................... 12
7.2 Implications for Profitability and Competitiveness .............. 13
References .................................................................................... 14
1
, ASSIGNMENT QUESTIONS:
QUESTION 1
1.1: Maintaining Affordability Amongst Low-Cost Airlines in South Africa
In light of the case study and the January 2025 FlySafair overbooking incident,
maintaining affordability in South Africa’s low-cost airline sector is crucial. The following
strategies, drawn from Learning Unit 2, highlight how airlines like FlySafair can achieve
this:
▪ Increased labour productivity (3 marks)
To maintain affordability without cutting wages, low-cost carriers like FlySafair can
follow models such as Southwest Airlines by improving labour productivity. For
example, staff could be encouraged to perform multiple roles pilots assisting with cabin
clean-up or boarding, or ground staff cross-trained for various functions. This "all hands
on deck" approach increases efficiency without raising costs. In the context of FlySafair,
such practices could help the airline cut operational expenses without compromising
service quality, thereby avoiding issues like overbooking which stem from mismanaged
logistics and staff workloads.
▪ No frills (3 marks)
FlySafair and similar LCCs should continue adopting a strict no-frills approach to keep
airfares affordable. This means limiting in-flight offerings to a "buy-on-board" model e.g.,
snacks and drinks at extra cost) and removing features like complimentary meals,
multiple seat classes, or lounges. These cost-saving practices reduce operating
expenses and create additional revenue streams. As highlighted in the case study, the
issue isn’t the absence of luxury but the inconsistency in pricing some low-cost carriers
benefit from LCC regulatory advantages while charging near full-service prices.
Adopting and strictly maintaining no-frills services aligns costs with the low-cost model
and meets expectations for budget travellers.
▪ Lowering ticket distribution costs (4 marks)
FlySafair and other LCCs can lower ticket distribution costs by avoiding over-reliance on
Global Distribution Systems (GDS), which are expensive. Instead, they should promote
direct sales via user-friendly websites and mobile platforms, encouraging passengers to
book through these channels using incentives e.g., discounts or no service fees. This
2
