“开学季”竞相揽客 航司掘金学生“首乘”经济

Core Viewpoint - The aviation market is experiencing a surge in student travel as schools reopen, prompting airlines to introduce targeted discounts and services for this demographic to boost passenger traffic and revenue [1][6]. Group 1: Airline Strategies - Major airlines such as Air China, Eastern Airlines, and Southern Airlines have launched student travel discounts, focusing on benefits like loyalty cards, coupons, and additional baggage allowances [3][4]. - Air China's "2025 Student Zone" offers benefits including 20kg extra baggage, discounts on tickets, and free seat selection for new students [3]. - Eastern Airlines has upgraded its "Back to School" services, providing direct ticket discounts, free baggage allowances, and surprise gift boxes for students [3][7]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - The peak travel period for students occurs from late August to early September, coinciding with a transition from peak to off-peak travel seasons [6]. - Airlines are implementing student discounts as a strategy to increase revenue during this typically slower period, as evidenced by a decline in passenger turnover rates for major airlines in September compared to the summer season [6][9]. Group 3: Long-term Consumer Potential - Airlines are not only focused on immediate ticket sales but also on the long-term consumer potential of students, who may become loyal customers as they transition into the workforce [9][10]. - The youth demographic is increasingly significant in the travel market, with a reported 11.3% of air travelers in 2024 being aged 18-25, reflecting a year-on-year increase of approximately 3.4% [9]. - The Civil Aviation Administration of China is promoting "first-time passenger services" to tap into the potential of the student market, indicating a strategic focus on nurturing future travelers [10].