An Empirical Research on The Factors Affecting Profitability in Air Transportation

This study aims to analyse the impact of traditional airline companies' internal and external environmental factors on profitability. In total, 17 airlines operating in different regions were included in the study. Passenger load factor, cargo ton-km and the number of destinations were chosen as internal factors affecting the profitability of airlines. GDP, oil prices and exchange rate figures were external environmental factors affecting profitability. Panel ARDL analysis method was used in the study. In the model of the study, all variables were analysed together without division. All selected variables have been observed to affect airline profitability, and the effect of external environmental factors on profitability is more significant.