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The Effect of the Internet on Performance and Quality: Evidence from the Airline Industry

Author

Listed:
  • Itai Ater

    () (Recanati Business School, Tel Aviv University)

  • Eugene Orlov

    () (Compass Lexecon)

Abstract

How did the diffusion of the Internet affect performance and product quality in the airline industry? We argue that the shift to online distribution channels has changed the way airlines compete for customers - from an environment in which airlines compete for space at the top of travel agents’ computer screens by scheduling the shortest flights, to an environment where price plays the dominant role in selling tickets. Using flight-level data between 1997 and 2007 and geographical growth patterns in Internet access, we find a positive relationship between Internet access and scheduled flight times. The magnitude of the effect is larger in competitive markets without low-cost carriers and for flights with shortest scheduled times. We also find that despite longer scheduled flight times, flight delays increased as passengers gained Internet access. More generally, these findings suggest that increased Internet access may adversely affect firms' performance and firms’ incentives to provide high quality products.

Suggested Citation

  • Itai Ater & Eugene Orlov, 2013. "The Effect of the Internet on Performance and Quality: Evidence from the Airline Industry," Working Papers 13-07, NET Institute.
    • Handle: RePEc:net:wpaper:1307
    as

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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Internet; Search; Air Travel; Quality;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • L15 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Information and Product Quality
    • L93 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Transportation and Utilities - - - Air Transportation

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