What the study found
The study found that domestic airfares in South Africa varied substantially, with an average fare of USD 86.92. It also found that low-cost carriers generally offered lower fares per kilometre than full-service carriers, and that shorter routes had higher costs per kilometre.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that the findings are relevant to pricing strategy, policy considerations, and consumer decision-making. The study suggests that structural and competitive factors shape domestic airfare behaviour more than booking timing does.
What the researchers tested
The researchers analysed 2,277 published fares from five airlines across three major domestic routes in South Africa. They used a quantitative longitudinal design and applied descriptive statistics, ANOVA (analysis of variance), correlation analysis, and multiple regression to compare fare structures by airline type, route distance, and booking horizon.
What worked and what didn't
Low-cost carriers consistently offered lower fares per kilometre than full-service carriers. Distance and airline type jointly explained a meaningful portion of airfare variation, and booking horizon had minimal influence. Full-service carriers showed greater fare volatility than low-cost carriers.
What to keep in mind
The summary provided does not describe major limitations beyond the scope of the data used. The analysis was based on published fares from five airlines and three major routes in South Africa’s domestic market, so the findings apply to that setting.
Key points
- The study analysed 2,277 published fares from five airlines on three major domestic routes in South Africa.
- Average airfare was USD 86.92, with substantial variation across fares.
- Low-cost carriers offered lower fares per kilometre than full-service carriers.
- Shorter routes had higher costs per kilometre.
- Booking horizon had minimal influence on airfare levels and variability.
- Full-service carriers showed greater fare volatility than low-cost carriers.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Airfare variation in South Africa is shaped more by distance and airline type
- Authors:
- René Haarhoff
- Institutions:
- University of the Western Cape
- Publication date:
- 2026-03-31
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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