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Air Travel Demand Under Intermodal Competition: a Structural Analysis of Air–rail Choice in Lao People’s Democratic Republic

Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: This study aims to investigate the structure of air travel demand under intermodal competition in Lao PDR. Unlike prior studies that examine isolated relationships, this research conceptualizes travel demand as a sequential decision-making process linking service evaluation, travel decision, passenger satisfaction, and behavioral intention. The study uses primary data collected from 343 passengers and applies Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with the Weighted Least Squares Mean and Variance Adjusted (WLSMV) estimator to examine the relationships among Air travel effectiveness (EFF), Air travel decision (AIR), Passenger satisfaction (SAT), and Behavioral intention (REV). The results indicate that Air travel effectiveness (EFF) has a positive and statistically significant effect on Air travel decision (AIR), while Air travel decision (AIR) significantly influences Passenger satisfaction (SAT). In contrast, Air travel effectiveness (EFF) does not have a statistically significant direct effect on Passenger satisfaction (SAT). Furthermore, Passenger satisfaction (SAT) has a positive and statistically significant effect on Behavioral intention (REV), confirming a hierarchical and sequential relationship among the constructs. The findings suggest that air travel demand can be understood as a hierarchical and multi-stage process rather than a direct response to service attributes. The study highlights the central role of decision-making and the mediating function of satisfaction in shaping behavioral intention. These results provide important implications for supporting decision-making processes and improving service experience in competitive transport environments.
DOI: 10.30892/gtg.68407-1888
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $204
OpenAlex ID: W7220693757
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