Adrian Müller

COVID-19 has accelerated the substitution of videoconferencing for business travel. However, little research exists about the decision-making behavior of business travelers considering virtual alternatives. We fill this gap by reconceptualizing the decision-making process and investigating the fundamental choice between face-to-face (FtF) and virtual communication (VC) using adaptive choice-based conjoint analysis. We argue that the process of decision making of business travelers is distinct to that of leisure travelers, as the fundamental decision between FtF and VC occurs prior to subsequent travel decisions. We show that the purpose of the meeting, the char-acter of the message, and the location of the meeting are the decision attributes of greatest importance. Using a novel methodology we present a holistic decision model that increases the theoretical understanding of business traveler decision-making and provides practitioners with comprehensive insights relevant to travel policy development, and executives in the business travel market with guidance with management decisions.

This chapter addresses three areas of future technologies in aviation: supersonic aircraft, space tourism and drone technologies. Supersonic travel is not entirely novel to aviation as its roots begin in the 1960s and continued until to the turn of the millennium. However, new avenues are being explored to develop and re-introduce the concept of supersonic travel. Space tourism is a potential new market for travellers, with first companies already trialling products. However, the technological implementation and the price of space travel are uncertain. Meanwhile, the prospects of drones are promising with many fields offering potential applications of drones. One of the areas is passenger transport, where drones could help transform urban and intercity transport with drone taxis. Again, there are certain obstacles to be cleared, especially in terms of trust, before drones can be deployed for passenger transport.