Bei Jing Shang Bao·2025-08-29 02:19Core Viewpoint - Airlines are targeting the student demographic not only for immediate ticket sales but also for their long-term consumption potential, as students are likely to become frequent flyers in the future [10][11]. Group 1: Student Market Strategies - Major airlines, including Air China, Eastern Airlines, and Southern Airlines, have launched exclusive offers and services for students, aiming to attract this significant travel group during the back-to-school season [2][4]. - The offers primarily include benefits such as extra baggage allowance, discount coupons, and free travel cards, with promotions running from late August to mid-September [4][5]. - Eastern Airlines has upgraded its "Back-to-School" services, offering direct ticket discounts, free baggage allowances, and surprise gift boxes for students [4][8]. Group 2: Revenue Generation During Off-Peak Season - The back-to-school period marks a transition from peak to off-peak travel season, prompting airlines to implement student discounts as a revenue-boosting strategy [7]. - Data indicates a decline in passenger turnover for September compared to the summer peak, with Air China's passenger turnover decreasing by 15.9% and Southern Airlines by 13.72% [7]. - Airlines are adjusting their pricing strategies to attract price-sensitive students, who often compare prices across multiple platforms to find the best deals [7][11]. Group 3: Long-Term Consumer Potential - Airlines view the student demographic as a long-term consumer base, anticipating that students will continue to travel for business and personal reasons after graduation [10][11]. - The increasing proportion of young travelers in the aviation market highlights the potential of the "first-time flyer" segment, with young people aged 18-25 making up 11.3% of air travelers in 2024, a 3.4% increase year-on-year [13]. - The Civil Aviation Administration of China has been promoting "first-time flyer services" to tap into this market potential and enhance the overall travel experience for students [13][14].